History: Stanley plum was developed in Geneva, New York by Cornell University and released in 1962.
Why We Grow It: This freestone European plum has deep purple skin and meaty, golden flesh, the standard for prunes. It has a sweet juicy flavour and is great for fresh eating, canning, and drying. The tree produces heavy, reliable crops.
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 5
Soil Preference: Sandy loam and loam, like plenty or organic material. Prefers average to moist conditions with well-drained soils, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring.
Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Vigorous and hardy with an upright growth pattern, starts bearing fruit at a young age and produces reliable heavy crops. Susceptible to black knot.
Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
Pollination: Self-pollinating, this variety will produce fruit without a European plum tree of a different variety but will produce more and better fruit if one is present. Recommended as a pollinator for President.
Flowering Time: Late
Ripens: Mid September
Storage: Keeps a few weeks in the fridge.
Recommended Use: Fresh eating, drying
Size including roots:
- 1m+ Whip grade: 100cm+
- Branched grade: 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more
- <1m Whip grade: less than 100 cm