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Gulf Gold Plum

Gulf Gold Plum

$89.00 - $89.00
$89.00
$89.00 - $89.00
$89.00

Please note, Gulf plum trees are best planted in pairs with another Gulf Plum variety to assist with cross pollination of the trees.  So for maximum fruit production also plant a Gulf Blaze Plum tree or a Gulf Rose Plum tree.

The Gulf Gold Plum tree, a cultivar developed by the University of Florida, is a low-chill plum variety prized for its sweet, juicy fruit and adaptability to warmer climates. This plum tree is part of the 'Gulf' series, specifically bred for regions with mild winters, making it an excellent choice for Southern growers. Below is a detailed overview of its characteristics, care requirements, and cultivation guidelines.
Taste
The Gulf Gold Plum is renowned for its exceptionally sweet flavor, often considered the sweetest among the 'Gulf' series cultivars. The fruit has yellow skin that develops a red blush as it ripens, with yellow, semi-soft flesh when fully mature. Its juicy texture and high sugar content make it ideal for fresh eating, though it can also be used for jams, jellies, or desserts. The plums are typically harvested from late May to mid-June in Florida, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and mild tartness when picked at peak ripeness.
Best Growing Environment
  • Climate: Gulf Gold thrives in warm, subtropical climates with mild winters, requiring only 150–200 chill hours (hours below 45°F) to break dormancy. This low chill requirement makes it well-suited for regions where winters are short and mild.
  • Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5–6.8. Fertile soils high in organic matter are ideal to support healthy growth and reduce nematode populations, which can be a concern in sandy soils.
  • Location: Plant in a site with good air drainage, such as hilltops or slopes, to protect against late spring frosts. Avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging or frost pockets.
Common Names
  • Primary name: Gulf Gold Plum
  • Alternate names: Often referred to simply as 'Gulfgold' in horticultural contexts, though no widely recognized alternate common names exist. It may be grouped under the 'Gulf' series plums alongside cultivars like Gulfbeauty and Gulfruby.
Average Height
  • The Gulf Gold Plum tree exhibits a dwarfing growth habit, typically reaching 10–15 feet in height at maturity, though it can grow slightly taller under optimal conditions. With regular pruning, homeowners often maintain it at 8–12 feet for easier fruit harvesting and tree management.
Growth Rate
  • The growth rate of Gulf Gold is moderate, with trees establishing themselves within the first 1–2 years after planting. Once established, they produce about 1–2 feet of new growth annually under good conditions. The tree’s dwarfing nature contributes to a slower, more compact growth compared to standard plum varieties, making it suitable for smaller orchards or home gardens.
Sun Requirements
  • Gulf Gold Plum trees require full sun exposure, needing at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can lead to reduced flowering, sparse foliage, and lower fruit yields. Planting in a south- or west-facing location maximizes sun exposure and supports optimal fruit production.
Cold Hardiness
  • This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 8–10, tolerating winter lows down to about 10–20°F. While it can withstand brief cold snaps, prolonged freezing temperatures may damage buds or young branches. In colder microclimates within these zones, protective measures like trunk wraps or Christmas lights can help shield the tree from frost.
Water Requirements
  • Young Trees: Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, ensuring the soil is saturated but allowed to dry slightly between waterings. In sandy soils, more frequent watering may be needed; in clay soils, reduce frequency to avoid waterlogging.
  • Mature Trees: Once established, water deeply every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer), especially during fruit development. Reduce or discontinue irrigation during winter dormancy when the tree is deciduous and leafless. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soils can lead to root rot.
Planting Guide
  • Timing: Plant bare-root Gulf Gold Plum trees in early spring while dormant, after the ground is workable but before bud break. Potted trees can be planted any time during the growing season, though spring is ideal.
  • Site Preparation: Choose a sunny, well-drained location. Test soil pH and amend with sulfur to lower or lime to raise pH if needed. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.
  • Planting Steps:
    • Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball and as deep as the roots.
    • Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (if present) is above soil level.
    • Backfill with a mix of native soil and high-quality planting mix containing sand and organic matter.
    • Create a basin around the tree to collect water and water deeply to settle the soil.
    • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
  • Spacing: Space trees 10–20 feet apart, depending on desired mature size, to ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Fertilizing Times and Recommended Fertilizer
  • Timing:
    • In USDA zones 8–9, fertilize twice annually: early March (before or at bud break) and early August. Avoid fertilizing after August to prevent late-season growth vulnerable to frost damage.
    • In cooler zones (if applicable), fertilize once in early March or after bud break.
  • Recommended Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or similar) containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, copper, and boron. For the first two years, apply 1 pound of organic fertilizer or well-aged manure in March and 1 cup of calcium nitrate in May. After the second year, apply 2/3 cup of calcium nitrate in March and August. Always water deeply after fertilizing to prevent root burn and ensure nutrient absorption.
  • Application Tips: Spread fertilizer 6–8 inches from the trunk to avoid burning the bark. Conduct a soil test before planting to identify any nutrient deficiencies and adjust fertilizer accordingly.
USDA Zone
  • The Gulf Gold Plum is best suited for USDA zones 8–10, where its low chill hour requirement (150–200 hours) aligns with the mild winters of southern states like Florida, Georgia, Texas, and southern California. It performs exceptionally well in central and north-central Florida, where bloom occurs from early to mid-February and fruit ripens from late May to mid-June.