Plum
Methley Pollination Guide
Methley is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Methley. It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Methley Quick Facts
Chill Hours
150 hours
Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Harvest
May to June
Pollination Note
Japanese plum — cannot pollinate European plums (Stanley)
Planning Your Orchard
Methley is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. For best results, ensure good pollinator habitat by planting bee-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding pesticide use during bloom.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Methley?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Methley. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
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.
Growing Challenges
Small fruit size; bland flavor compared to Santa Rosa; short shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Methley?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Methley. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Methley tree?
Yes! Methley is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Plum Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Methley?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.