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Plum variety

Shiro

Also known as Shiro Plum

The short answer

Shiro requires 400–500 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 5–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Shiro growing facts
Chill requirement400–500 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 5–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 3[1]
Harvest windowJune–July[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
USDA pomological watercolor of Shiro plum
Prunus salicina: ShiroUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1911 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • Japanese-type plum with yellow fruit; self-fruitful and bears reliably across many climates.[1]
  • Japanese plums may be picked slightly before full ripeness and ripened indoors.[4]

A year with your Shiro

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 Shiro where I live?

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

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

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Questions

How many chill hours does Shiro need?
Shiro needs 400–500 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Shiro?
Shiro grows in USDA zones 5–9.
Is Shiro self-pollinating?
Shiro is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Shiro 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