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Plum variety

Italian Prune

Also known as Italian, Fellenberg

The short answer

Italian Prune requires 800 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 4–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Italian Prune growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowAugust–September[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
USDA pomological watercolor of Italian Prune plum
Prunus domestica: Italian PruneUSDA pomological watercolor, L.C.C. (Louis Charles Christopher) Krieger, 1939 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • European-type prune plum; self-fruitful, late-blooming and cold hardy, with a late-summer harvest (about Aug 25 to Sep 6).[1]
  • Large purple freestone; rich flavor, very sweet when fully ripe — good fresh, dried, or canned.[1]
  • European plums (like Italian) are self-compatible and do not require a pollinizer.[4]

A year with your Italian Prune

When the work happens for a plum in USDA zone 7, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Plum in zone 7
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest————————
Care——————————

See the full month-by-month plum calendar for zone 7 →

Can I grow Italian Prune where I live?

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

Growing an Italian Prune? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Italian Prune need?
Italian Prune needs 800 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Italian Prune?
Italian Prune grows in USDA zones 4–9.
Is Italian Prune self-pollinating?
Italian Prune is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Italian Prune — variety specifications — 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
  3. [3] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] University of Minnesota Extension. Growing stone fruits in the home garden — accessed July 2026