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Plum variety

Methley

Also known as Methley Plum

The short answer

Methley requires 250 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 5–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Methley growing facts
Chill requirement250 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 5–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 2[1]
Harvest windowJune[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
USDA pomological watercolor of Methley plum
Prunus salicina: MethleyUSDA pomological watercolor, Harriet L. Thompson, 1915 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • Japanese-type plum; low chill (250 hours or fewer) and self-fruitful, so it can be planted as a single tree.[1]
  • Methley is a partial exception to the cross-pollination rule for Japanese plums and can set some fruit as a single tree, though production may be light in some years.[4]

A year with your Methley

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 Methley where I live?

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

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

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Questions

How many chill hours does Methley need?
Methley needs 250 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Methley?
Methley grows in USDA zones 5–9.
Is Methley self-pollinating?
Methley is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Methley Plum — 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] Clemson Cooperative Extension (Home & Garden Information Center). Plum (HGIC 1362) — accessed July 2026