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Bare root pre-orders for Spring '26 are now live!
Bare root pre-orders for Spring '26 are now live!
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Methley Asian Plum

Original price $64.99 - Original price $64.99
Original price
$64.99
$64.99 - $64.99
Current price $64.99
SKU C180D

Prunus salicina x 'Methley'

Methley is the most reliable and easiest-to-grow fruit tree we offer. Every year in July, before any other tree fruit is ripe, our Methley tree is loaded with hundreds of sweet, medium-sized, reddish-purple plums with rich, red, clingstone flesh. They ripen over ten days and don’t keep but, oh, are they good for fresh eating, cooking and preserves!

The tree is an early, regular bearer and self-fertile. beloved by home growers since the early 1900's. Very winter hardy and disease resistant. Lowest chill of all plums - only 150 hours needed for reliable fruit set.

Cold Hardy to USDA Zone: 4

Mature Height:  12' 

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: July

Pollination: Self Fertile

Dwarf Rootstock: St. Julian A

Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: Krymsk-1

Read our Plum Growing Guide

Size: Semi-Dwarf (4'-5')

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Ask a Question
  • What's the height difference between the dwarf, and semi-dwarf?

    Krymsk-1 produces trees at 50-70% of standard vigor (per the patent holder). St Julian A produces trees at 75% of standard vigor.

  • Is this a hybrid?

    The parentage for Methley is unknown. It is believed to be a Japanese-American hybrid, discovered as a chance seedling in South Africa in the early 1920s.

  • Would the Methley plum be a good pollinator for my Au Rosa plum, which blooms about 2 weeks earlier than my other fruit trees?

    Yes, Au Rosa has a Japanese heritage that will work will with Methley.

  • I have one Methley plum. It is at least 8’ tall and produces zip, nada, nothing. I want a pollinator for it. I live in zone 8b. Your recommendation?

    Any other Asian plum will do. Hollywood, Early Golden, and Kuban Comet are good examples.

  • will the fruit quality improve if it were crossed pollinized by another japanese plum such as a Satsuma or Santa Rosa?

    No. Fruit quantity increases with cross pollination, but fruity quality is goverened by other factors.

  • Is this a good pollinizer for the sugar twist pluerry?

    It is an option yes. Best is Santa Rosa or Hollywood.

  • do you need two of the same tree to produce more fruit

    In the case of Methley no, it is self fertile and does fine on it's own

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
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Nancy B.
first timer for plum trees

My newly planted (2 weeks ago) plum tree as you can see is already budding out and thriving. Originally not once but twice I ordered a similar tree from one of the big box stores. Both trees were such a disappointment and sadly each ultimately had to be discarded. Happily I found Raintree Nursery. They are my go-to choice for all future fruit tree and berry bush purchases. In addition, Raintree videos on planting and care for fruit trees have been invaluable. The straw covering was inexpensive and is performing exactly as you said it would.
Thank you Raintree for giving me exactly was I was seeking from the start. I only wish I had found you sooner.

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Anonymous
My methley’s first few weeks

My motherly plum tree arrived in good condition and I was able to plant it promptly. It had been covered with small leaf buds which are just beginning to open up. I cannot yet make any comments about the fruit, but I anticipate several good years before we have to move again. I know whoever inherits it will it like I appreciate it’s companion the apple tree I inherited.

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Bill W.
Could not have been better

The Methley Aisian Plum tree I received from Raintree Nursery was in perfect condition and took off quickly after planting. I have ordered fruit trees from many different places, but none of them have been as healthy as the one I received from Raintree. I look forward to ordering from Raintree Nursery in the future.

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Brian C.
A beautiful tree

I just received two trees from Raintree. I was stunned at how nice my methly plum tree that was sent. The tree was healthy, well trimmed and ready to bloom. It is doing great so far.

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Lena C.
Awesome

Nice and big with big limbs tied back neatly. This was a bare root that came to me in the spring. The root system was large and in charge! Leaves sprouted right away and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I will be buying all my trees and plants here from now on. My only regret is that I didn't buy here sooner.