Plum
Can I Grow Methley?
Methley is the easiest plum to grow — self-fertile, low-chill, and productive even in the Deep South. The small, reddish-purple fruit has sweet, mild flavor and blood-red flesh.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
150
Hardiness Zones
5-6-7-8-9
Harvest
May to June
Results
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About Methley
Methley is the easiest plum to grow — self-fertile, low-chill, and productive even in the Deep South. The small, reddish-purple fruit has sweet, mild flavor and blood-red flesh.
Methley requires 150 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
Common Challenges
Small fruit size; bland flavor compared to Santa Rosa; short shelf life.
Common Misconception
Will Methley produce more fruit in colder climates?
Not necessarily. Methley only needs 150 chill hours. Planting in very cold zones (4 or colder) risks winter damage without improving fruit production. The ideal zones are 5-9 where the tree gets enough chill without excessive cold stress.
Other Plum Varieties
Chill hour data from ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus/ECMWF). Variety information compiled from university extension services.