Plums Crop Guide

Estimated Cost$3,500 per acre establishment; $1,000 annual operating; 3 years to harvest; harvest in June
Market OutletsPick-your-own, roadside, farmers markets, retail, limited wholesale
Market PotentialFair; limited local
Profit Potential$0 to $700 per acre
Adapted AreasEast Texas
Labor RequirementsOne person per 25 acres; more at harvest
Equipment RequirementsTrailer, speed sprayer, shredder, herbicide sprayer
Soil RequirementsSandy
Water Requirements5 gallons per minute well per acre
Minimum Size1 acre
Risk FactorLow to moderate
Other Limiting FactorsTrees are very short lived; fruit thinning is essential for adequate size fruit. Primary pests include plum curculio, brown rot, bacterial stem canker.
CommentsLocal sales are limited and over-planting can destroy the price received.