'Early Italian' European Prune Plum

Early Italian plum trees produce reliable, heavy yields of large, oval, dark purple prune plums with golden yellow flesh. These freestone plums are firm, with low water and high sugar content, making them ideal for drying, canning and baking. When cooked, the flesh turns bright red-pink and develops a creamy texture. These flavourful, very sweet plums are equally good enjoyed fresh, which explains the variety's long-lasting popularity, with many considering it a staple variety for any garden or orchard.   

'Early Italian' prune plums ripen 2-3 weeks earlier than 'Italian' prune plums, but have almost identical fruit. Early Italian is a variety of European plum, and though it is self-fertile, cross-pollination with another European plum can increase yields.

Common names: Italian Prune Plum, Italian Plum

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: Late August - early September

Scientific name: Prunus domestica 'Italian Prune'
Light requirements: Full sun 
Full-grown size: Semi-dwarf (12-15' tall x 10-12' wide, smaller with pruning)
Hardiness: Zone 5
Pollination: Self-fertile
Wildlife: Protect ripe fruit from birds and raccoons.
Origin: Coastal Mediterranean regions of Italy.
Noteworthy: Very popular variety. Excellent for fresh eating, drying, canning and baking.