Monrovia Santa Rosa Plum

Chill hours refer to the cumulative time a tree spends in temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. The Santa Rosa Plum needs at least 400 of these hours to break dormancy and produce fruit effectively in the spring.

While the Santa Rosa Plum is considered self-fertile, planting it near another compatible plum variety can often increase your overall fruit yield. If you have limited space, a single tree will still produce fruit on its own.

Since this tree reaches a mature height and spread of 30 feet, you should plant it in an area that allows for a 30-foot diameter. Ensure it is placed away from structures or power lines to accommodate its full growth.

Fruit thinning involves removing some of the small, developing plums early in the season so the remaining fruit has more space and nutrients to grow. This practice results in fewer, but significantly larger and higher-quality plums.

Yes, you can manage the size and shape of the tree through annual winter pruning. Because this variety is also suitable for espalier training, it can be trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, which helps control its footprint.

While the Santa Rosa Plum is noted for having some deer resistance, no plant is completely deer-proof. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may still need to use protective measures, especially while the tree is young.