Variety fit — Montana
Can I grow French Improved Prune plum in Montana?
The verdict
Yes
- Your zone 5b and typical 1898 chill hours both suit this variety.
Based on Montana’s main growing area (59801): zone 5b, ~1,898 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.
The numbers
| French Improved Prune chill requirement | 800 chill hours |
|---|---|
| French Improved Prune hardiness | USDA zones 5–9 |
| Montana average chill (59801) | 1,898 hours (1,270–2,367 across 10 winters) |
| Montana zone (59801) | USDA zone 5b |
Keep checking
Or the same verdict for another region:
Planting a French Improved Prune in Montana? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, starting with this month’s tasks for one tree, free.
Save your first tree freeQuestions
- Can I grow French Improved Prune plum in Montana?
- Yes — Your zone 5b and typical 1898 chill hours both suit this variety.
Planting a French Improved Prune? Gear that helps
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Before you plantMySoil mail-in soil test kitLab-grade pH and nutrient analysis with amendment recommendations — worth doing before you plant.View on Amazon →First-year wateringTreegator slow-release watering bag20 gallons drips over 5–9 hours — the easiest way to keep a first-year tree consistently watered.View on Amazon →Bark protectionExpandable trunk protectors (5-pack)Stops rabbit, vole, and mower damage on young bark — cheap insurance for a new orchard.View on Amazon →
Sources
- [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
- [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
- [3] Dave Wilson Nursery. French Improved Prune — DWN Variety Finder — accessed July 2026
- [4] Dave Wilson Nursery. French Improved Prune — variety specifications — accessed October 2026