Bounty Plum

Bounty Plum (Prunus “Bounty”) Care Guide

Overview:
Bounty Plum is a hardy plum cultivar (derived from Prunus nigra or involving Canadian plum ancestry) selected for its ability to withstand cold climates, producing medium to large red fruit with flesh suitable for preserves, processing, and in some cases fresh use. It is also often used as a pollinizer in cold-climate plum plantings. Prairie Gardens+1

1. Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness: Very cold-hardy (suitable for prairie climates). Planting Justice+1

• Size & Form: Upright, spreading tree habit. Bounty is often noted as having an upright spreading growth form. Prairie Gardens

• Light: Full sun (minimum 6+ hours direct sunlight) is ideal for fruit production and tree vigor

• Soil:
   • Requires well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils
   • Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred
   • Enrich planting hole with organic matter (compost) to improve drainage and fertility

• Spacing: Leave enough distance from other trees to allow good air circulation and light penetration

2. Pollination & Fruit Set

• Cross-Pollination Required: Bounty is not reliably self-fertile and needs another compatible plum or plum-type cultivar nearby to set fruit. Prairie Gardens+1

• Bloom Overlap: Ensure the pollinator blooms at the same time as Bounty for best cross-pollination

• Proximity: Pollinators should be placed within reasonable distance (e.g. within orchard / yard) for reliable pollination

3. Watering & Establishment

• First 1–2 Years: Maintain consistent moisture (not soggy) to help root establishment

• After Establishment: Moderately drought-tolerant, but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch organic mulch ring (keeping the mulch away from the trunk base) to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature

4. Fertilizing

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may promote weak vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting

• Incorporate organic matter (compost, aged manure) at planting or as top-dressing in subsequent years

5. Pruning & Training

• Best Timing: Late winter to early spring while tree is dormant

• Pruning Goals:
   • Remove dead, diseased, weak, or crossing branches
   • Thin interior branches to improve light and airflow
   • Maintain a strong central leader or scaffold structure
   • Remove suckers from rootstock (if grafted) and water sprouts

• Train young trees to a structure that can support future fruit loads

6. Pest & Disease Management

• Common Threats:
   • Plum pocket (fungal) — causes fruit deformities under cool, wet conditions usask
   • Bacterial canker, brown rot, aphids, scale, and other plum pests

• Preventative Cultural Practices:
   • Maintain good sanitation (remove fallen fruit, pruned branches)
   • Ensure airflow and reduce humidity inside canopy
   • Avoid overhead watering in damp conditions
   • Monitor regularly and treat early with fungicides or appropriate controls if needed

7. Harvesting & Use

• Harvest when fruit is mature (color, slight give) and easily detaches with a gentle twist

• Bounty fruit is often used for jam, preserves, cooking, though some may enjoy fresh fruit depending on sweetness and astringency

• Because fruit tends to spoil or attract pests, harvest promptly when ripe

8. Winter & Cold Protection

• Being cold-hardy, Bounty generally does not need heavy winter protection

• For young trees or in exposed sites, protect trunks from sunscald or rodent damage using trunk guards or wraps

• Mulch root zone in late fall to buffer extreme freeze-thaw cycles

Photo from Prairie Gardens