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Plum variety

Stanley

Also known as Stanley Prune, Stanley Plum

The short answer

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

Growing facts

Stanley growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowAugust[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
USDA pomological watercolor of Stanley plum
Prunus domestica: StanleyUSDA pomological watercolor, J. Marion Shull, 1937 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • European-type prune plum (Prunus domestica); self-fruitful, late-blooming, extremely cold hardy and reliable to USDA zone 4.[1]
  • European plums are self-compatible and do not require a second variety, though they generally set more fruit with another European plum nearby.[4]
  • European plums are generally more susceptible to black knot; prune out and destroy knotted branches.[5]
  • Freestone, sweet when fully ripe; suitable fresh, dried, or canned as a prune.[1]

A year with your Stanley

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 Stanley where I live?

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

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

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Questions

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

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Stanley 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
  5. [5] Clemson Cooperative Extension (Home & Garden Information Center). Plum (HGIC 1362) — accessed July 2026