When Are Plums Ready to Pick in the UK? — My Orchard Experience

I’ve spent years growing plums in my small UK garden, and each summer brings that familiar question: when are plums ready to pick?

It’s not just about watching the calendar — it’s about noticing the little details in colour, feel, and timing that signal the perfect moment.

Let me guide you through everything I’ve learned about plum picking season in the UK, so you can enjoy delicious, ripe fruit right from your own tree.

Why Timing Matters? – Getting the Best Flavour and Texture

Plums, like many fruits, reward patience. The moment they ripen on the tree is when they offer their fullest sweetness and juiciness.

If picked too early?

• The fruit is hard and sour
• Texture is chalky or rubbery
• It won’t ripen well off the tree

If left too late?

• The plum becomes mushy or bruised
• It might drop and spoil
• Insects or birds may get to it first

So yes — timing really is everything.

What Is the Plum Harvest Season in the UK?

In the UK, plums are generally ready to harvest from late July through early September, depending on the variety and your local microclimate.

Here’s a table I use to keep track of plum ripening times:

Plum Variety	Typical Ripening Time (UK)	Type
Early Rivers	Mid to Late July	Early
Victoria	Late August to Early September	Mid-season
Marjorie’s Seedling	Mid to Late September	Late
Opal	Early to Mid August	Early-Mid
Czar	Late July to Early August	Early

From my experience, Victoria plums, one of the most popular varieties in Britain, usually hit their sweet spot around late August.

How Do I Know When a Plum Is Ripe?

Over the years, I’ve created a little ripe plum checklist I go through when inspecting my tree. Here’s what I look for:

• Softness – The plum yields slightly when gently squeezed
• Colour – It deepens depending on the variety (e.g. rich purple for Victoria)
• Natural bloom – A light, powdery coating means they’re at their best
• Fragrance – A subtle, sweet aroma is often present on warm days
• Easy to pick – Ripe plums come off with a gentle twist

Tip: If you tug and the fruit resists, it’s not ready.

Why Don’t All Plums Ripen at Once?

One of the first surprises I had was that even a single tree will ripen its fruit over a few weeks, not all at once.

Here’s how I handle that:

• I check the tree every 2–3 days during peak season
• I pick only the plums that meet the ripeness test
• I return again and again as the next batch matures

This staggered approach helps me avoid waste and ensures I always get the tastiest plums.

What Affects When Plums Ripen in the UK?

Several things play into when your plums will be ready:

• Variety – Some are bred to be early, others late
• Weather – A sunny summer brings earlier and sweeter plums
• Location – South-facing trees often ripen faster
• Tree health – Well-fed, properly pruned trees fruit better

I noticed my plum tree produced a week earlier the year we had that heatwave — sun makes a huge difference.

How I Pick Plums Without Damaging Them?

Because plums bruise easily, I’ve developed a gentle routine:

• I use a shallow, padded basket or tray to collect them
• I never shake the tree — I only twist or cup the plum gently
• I pick during cooler times of the day — morning or late afternoon
• I store them in a single layer if I can

This care ensures my harvest stays firm and flavourful.

Can You Ripen Plums Off the Tree?

Yes — but it’s not ideal.

If I accidentally pick some a bit too early, I leave them at room temperature for a couple of days. They soften, but they never taste quite as good as those that ripened fully on the branch.

If in doubt, leave them on the tree another day.

What Do I Do With Extra Ripe or Damaged Plums?

When I get a big glut or a few overripe fruits, I use them in other ways:

• Jam or chutney
• Stewed plum compote
• Plum crumble
• Freezing for smoothies

Here’s a quick breakdown of uses:

Plum Condition	Best Use
Firm & ripe	Eat fresh or bake
Slightly soft / bruised	Jams, crumbles, sauces
Overripe	Compost or wildlife treats

Conclusion — Picking the Perfect Plums in the UK

So, when are plums ready to pick? In my experience, the best approach is to know your variety, monitor your tree frequently, and rely on your senses — not just the calendar.

Each year might bring slightly different timing, but if you watch for softness, colour, and that tell-tale scent, you’ll know exactly when to reach out and pick the perfect plum.

Related Article: How to Remove Fruit Flies?

Frequently Asked Questions On When Are Plums Ready to Pick in the UK

1. Can I pick all my plums at once to save time?

No — most plums ripen in stages. Picking them all at once means some will be underripe and others may spoil.

2. What’s the easiest plum variety to grow in the UK?

Victoria is widely considered the easiest and most reliable for UK gardens.

3. Should I refrigerate plums after picking?

Only if you want to store them longer. Freshly picked plums are best eaten within 2–3 days when kept at room temperature.

4. Do I need to wash plums before storing?

No — washing removes the natural protective bloom. Only wash just before eating.

5. Can plums ripen indoors in a paper bag like bananas?

They can soften slightly, but they won’t sweeten much more. Tree-ripened is best.