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Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am - 6pm | 813-693-1520
Scarlet Beauty Plum

Scarlet Beauty Plum

$89.00 - $195.00
$89.00
$89.00 - $195.00
$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 Scarlet Beauty plum tree, a Japanese-American hybrid (Prunus salicina x Prunus americana), is a low-chill cultivar developed for warm climates, offering sweet, juicy fruit and adaptability to mild-winter regions. Known for its early ripening and vibrant red fruit, it’s a favorite for home gardeners in the southeastern United States and similar climates. Below is a comprehensive guide to its characteristics and cultivation requirements.
    Taste
    • Scarlet Beauty plums are celebrated for their sweet, juicy flesh with a mild tartness, particularly in the skin, which balances the flavor profile.
    • The fruit has deep red to purple skin and yellow to reddish flesh, offering a tender, succulent texture ideal for fresh eating, baking, or processing into preserves.
    • Ripening in early to mid-summer (typically late May to early June in warmer regions), the plums are best when fully ripened on the tree, achieving peak sweetness and flavor.
    Best Growing Environment
    • Climate: Scarlet Beauty thrives in warm, subtropical climates with low chill requirements (150–200 hours below 45°F), making it ideal for regions with mild winters.
    • Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5–6.5. Amending with organic matter like compost improves fertility and drainage.
    • Location: Plant on hilltops or slopes for optimal air drainage, reducing the risk of frost damage to early blooms. Avoid low-lying areas prone to frost pockets or waterlogging.
    Common Names
    • Primary name: Scarlet Beauty Plum
    • Alternate names: Often referred to as a low-chill plum or simply ‘Scarlet Beauty’ in nursery catalogs. It may be grouped with other Japanese-American hybrids or ‘Gulf’ series plums for its similar low-chill traits.
    Average Height
    • Scarlet Beauty is a semi-dwarf tree, typically reaching 12–15 feet at maturity, though pruning can maintain it at 8–12 feet for easier harvesting and management.
    • Its compact size makes it suitable for small orchards, home gardens, or even large containers with proper care.
    Growth Rate
    • The tree exhibits a moderate growth rate, adding 1–2 feet of new growth annually under optimal conditions.
    • It establishes quickly in the first 1–2 years and can begin bearing fruit within 2–4 years of planting, depending on care and environmental factors.
    Sun Requirements
    • Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure robust growth, flowering, and fruit production.
    • Insufficient sunlight can lead to reduced yields, sparse foliage, and smaller, less flavorful fruit. A south- or west-facing location is ideal.
    Cold Hardiness
    • Hardy in USDA zones 8–10, Scarlet Beauty tolerates winter lows down to 10–20°F but is susceptible to damage from prolonged freezing or late spring frosts.
    • In colder microclimates within these zones, protective measures like mulching or wrapping the trunk with burlap can help safeguard against frost damage.
    Water Requirements
    • Young Trees: Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. In sandy soils, increase frequency; in clay soils, reduce to avoid waterlogging.
    • Mature Trees: Water every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer), ensuring consistent moisture during fruit development. Reduce or stop irrigation during winter dormancy.
    • Use drip irrigation to maintain even soil moisture without saturating the roots, which can prevent root rot.
    Planting Guide
    • Timing: Plant bare-root trees in early spring (late January to early March in zones 8–10) while dormant, after the last frost. Potted trees can be planted any time, though spring is preferred.
    • Site Selection: Choose a sunny, well-drained location with good air circulation. Test soil pH and amend with sulfur or lime to achieve 5.5–6.5 if needed.
    • Steps:
      • Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball and as deep as the roots.
      • Place the tree, ensuring the graft union is above soil level, and backfill with a mix of native soil and organic planting mix (e.g., compost with sand).
      • Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it 4–6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
      • Space trees 10–15 feet apart to accommodate their semi-dwarf size and ensure adequate light and air circulation.
    • Rootstock: Use nematode-resistant rootstocks like Marianna 2624 or St. Julian A for better disease resistance and adaptability to various soils.
    Fertilizing Times and Recommended Fertilizer
    • Timing:
      • In USDA zones 8–10, fertilize twice annually: early March (before bud break) and early August to support growth and fruiting.
      • Avoid fertilizing after August to prevent late-season growth susceptible to frost damage.
    • Recommended Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or organic equivalent) with micronutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, copper, and boron.
      • First Two Years: Use 1 pound of organic fertilizer or well-aged manure in March, supplemented with 1 cup of calcium nitrate in May.
      • Mature Trees: Apply 2/3 cup of calcium nitrate in March and August.
      • Conduct a soil test to identify deficiencies and adjust fertilizer accordingly. Spread fertilizer 6–8 inches from the trunk and water deeply after application.