Satsuma Plum

Medium to large upright-spreading vigorous tree. Moderately productive when young, bears heavier crops as tree becomes older. Not self-fertile - requires another Japanese plum for pollination (Santa Rosa, Beauty, Burbank, Methley, Shiro, Toka, Wickson recommended). Very hardy requiring lots of sun and longer season. Resistant to black knot like other Japanese plums.

Small to medium round plums 6-7 centimeters diameter. Skin mottled maroon to greenish-purple over green base, speckled with pale green dots, firm and slightly bitter. Thick skin creates distinctive appearance. Dense dark ruby-red to purplish-red jammy flesh, very juicy. Sweet meaty flesh with mild flavor, tender texture. Deep red flesh has almond-like flavor, excellent complex taste. Semi-clingstone. One of earliest blooming fruit trees in early spring with aromatic white blossoms.

Raised by California horticulturist Luther Burbank from bag of seeds sent from Japan 1883. Named "Satsuma" after province in Japan (though actually originated in China before reaching Japan). Burbank used Satsuma extensively in crosses with other varieties to achieve sweeter, juicier, more abundant and hardier plums.