Plum cultivation in Florida is unique because the state’s subtropical climate differs significantly from the temperate regions where stone fruits typically thrive. Traditional plum varieties require hundreds of hours below 45°F to break dormancy and set fruit, a requirement Florida cannot consistently meet. Specialized breeding programs, particularly by the University of Florida, have developed cultivars adapted to the state’s low-chill environment. These adapted plums allow for local production, offering an early-season fruit option unavailable elsewhere in the country.
The Specific Seasonality of Florida Plums
The plum season in Florida is brief and occurs much earlier than in northern growing regions. The primary harvest window generally runs from late spring through early summer, spanning from early May to early June. This early timing allows local Florida plums to enter the market approximately two weeks before fruit from major national production areas arrives.
The exact timing of the harvest depends on the specific location within the state due to variations in winter chill accumulation. For example, the earliest blooms in South Florida can occur in late January, while those in North Florida may not appear until early March. This variation translates to a difference in the fruit development period, which typically lasts between 75 and 95 days from flower set to harvest.
Varieties Adapted to Florida’s Climate
Growing plums in Florida depends entirely on selecting varieties with a minimal chilling requirement. This ensures the trees reliably break winter dormancy and produce a crop without prolonged cold periods. The most successful cultivars are Japanese-type plums, specifically bred for these conditions.
The University of Florida’s stone fruit breeding program introduced successful cultivars under the ‘Gulf’ prefix, such as ‘Gulfbeauty,’ ‘Gulfblaze,’ and ‘Gulfrose’. These varieties were developed for their low-chill needs and resistance to common diseases like plum leaf scald. The ‘Scarlet Beauty’ plum is a reliable low-chill option, known to require as few as 150 chill hours to set fruit consistently.
These adapted plums typically range from 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and offer good fruit quality. The native Chickasaw plum, Prunus angustifolia, is also a low-chill species that thrives in the state and is sometimes used for its small, tart fruit or as a pollinator for cultivated varieties.
Harvesting and Local Availability
Florida plums are typically hand-harvested to ensure they are picked at the optimal stage of ripeness and to minimize damage. Once ripe, the fruit only hangs on the tree for about seven to ten days, making the harvest window narrow. This short period, combined with the fruit’s limited shelf life, influences how and where the plums are sold.
The majority of the Florida plum crop is distributed through local channels rather than large commercial grocery chains. Consumers are most likely to find these specialized plums at local farmers’ markets, roadside produce stands, or U-pick operations. During the short harvest window, these local plums are the only fresh options available. After harvesting, the fruit must be cooled quickly to maintain quality and extend its market life.