Plum, A.U. Producer, Bare Root

Plum, A.U. Producer (Prunus salicina ‘A.U. Producer’)

A.U. Producer is a highly productive, early-ripening Japanese plum bred by Auburn University to meet the needs of Southern growers seeking high fruit quality, disease resistance, and heat tolerance. This vigorous variety produces medium to large reddish-purple fruit with sweet, juicy, amber flesh. It ripens in late June to early July, providing a welcome early-season harvest for fresh eating, preserves, or market sales.

One of the standout traits of A.U. Producer is its resistance to bacterial fruit spot, a major challenge in humid climates. It’s partially self-fertile, but yield and fruit quality are significantly improved with a compatible pollinator such as Methley or Santa Rosa. Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, this plum is ideal for home orchards, food forests, and regenerative systems where dependable, low-spray fruit production is a must.

Key Characteristics

• Early harvest of sweet, juicy plums
  Ripens in late June to early July, with medium to large reddish fruit and golden flesh. Excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and early-season marketing.
• Bred for disease resistance and Southern climates
  Developed at Auburn University with strong resistance to bacterial fruit spot, making it a reliable producer in hot, humid areas with minimal spraying.
• Partially self-fertile with improved yields from cross-pollination
  Will fruit on its own but does best with a pollinator. Plant with Methley, Santa Rosa, or other Japanese plums for optimal harvest.
• Heavy and consistent yields
  Lives up to its name with large, dependable crops even on younger trees. Great for homesteaders, small orchards, and growers seeking early fruit.
• Excellent choice for food forests and orchard guilds
  Upright, manageable tree integrates well into permaculture designs, fruit tree guilds, and low-input orchard systems. Pairs well with nitrogen fixers and beneficial insect-attracting groundcovers.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Medium to large; reddish-purple skin; amber, sweet flesh; juicy
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, preserves, baking
• Fruit ripening month: Late June to early July
• Required chill hours: ~750
• Pollination requirements: Partially self-fertile; best with Methley, Santa Rosa, or other Japanese plums
• USDA Hardiness zones: 6–9

A.U. Producer is a reliable, early-bearing plum for growers who want quality fruit with minimal disease pressure. Its adaptability and productivity make it an ideal choice for edible landscapes and regenerative orchard systems in warm zones.