How To Grow A Victoria Plum Tree (Prunus domestica)

The Victoria plum, Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’, is Britain’s best-known plum variety. It produces heavy crops of delicious, egg-shaped fruits, ideal for use in jams and chutneys, as well as eating straight from the tree.

Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’ tends to be grafted onto a semi-dwarfing rootstock, which produces a compact tree suitable for small- to medium-sized gardens. A Victoria plum tree will reach about 4m in height. If you want to grow it in a container, choose a dwarfing rootstock such as Pixy.

‘Victoria’ is a great choice for a small garden as it’s self fertile, so doesn’t need a pollination partner to be planted nearby. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked, making this variety a versatile choice for home growers. Victoria plum tree blossom can be affected by early spring frosts as the tree’s flowering time is from April to May. To protect a small plum tree, you could cover it with fleece. If you are planting a tree, avoid planting it in a cold spot where frosts are frequent.

The lifespan of a Victoria plum tree varies depending on rootstock and soil type, but you would expect a tree on a vigorous rootstock such as St Julien to live for around 20 years. Some may live considerably longer.

For the sweetest, juiciest plums, grow Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’ in full sun and planted into free-draining soil. Water newly planted trees regularly until established.

The best place to plant a Victoria plum tree is in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Ideally, plant your tree during the dormant season from November until the end of January, so it has a chance to establish a little before temperatures rise.

It can take a few years for a newly planted