Red Planet Plum Seeds-Scions

"Red Planet" represents a new hybrid species of plum found as a natural hybrid of two indigenous North American plums, beach plum and American plum. Prunus dunbarii.  I spotted this selection as a seedling in a bed of what would be 'pure' beach plums grown from seed at my farm. It was found in a bed of 3000 seedlings and stuck out due to its leaf structure. I planted it out in my open field to find that it grew rather slowly at first. This tree got engulfed in grass until eventually with a little care and pruning the tree grew as a single trunk with a fan shaped top. The flowering was prolific after 7 years of growth and the small fruits began to yield in great numbers. Today 'Red Planet' is a natural dwarf growing to 6 to 8 ft. tall. The fruits are very much like the beach plum but more significantly more tart. They make a fantastic red jam or sauce and in many ways the flavor is very much like beach plum. 

"Red Planet" is completely free of insects and diseases. The small red fruits ripen starting in mid August and are done within two weeks. This tree type beach plum with strong upright growth would make it easier to commercially grow beach plums using shakers to harvest. Plus the stems and trunk are longer lived going past the twenty year mark. Very little suckering has occurred with this variety. 

Available in September of 2022. Scionwood and or sprouts are sent dormant.  

Germinating the Seeds:    Seeds normally sprout in one season of dormancy. Apply cold and moist treatment for 90-120 days. Use lightly moist Canadian peat moss and store in the refrigerator 33-38F or directly plant outside in the fall.  Seeds can be planted 1/2 inch deep. The seed produces a top slowly at the same time the root is produced. Sometimes a portion of the seed will require a second dormancy meaning another warm period prior to applying a second cold period.