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Plum variety

French Improved Prune

Also known as French Prune, Improved French, Petite d'Agen

The short answer

French Improved Prune requires 800 chill hours[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

French Improved Prune growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessNot published for this variety
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowAugust[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
French Improved Prune plumSpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • European-type prune plum; self-fruitful, the standard California drying prune, harvesting mid-to-late August.[1]

A year with your French Improved Prune

When the work happens for a plum in USDA zone 6, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Plum in zone 6
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Thin———————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest————————
Care———————————

See the full month-by-month plum calendar for zone 6 →

Can I grow French Improved Prune where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a French Improved Prune? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does French Improved Prune need?
French Improved Prune needs 800 chill hours.
Is French Improved Prune self-pollinating?
French Improved Prune is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. French Improved Prune — DWN Variety Finder — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026