{"product_id":"plum-a-u-producer","title":"Plum, A.U. Producer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlum, A.U. Producer (Prunus salicina ‘A.U. Producer’)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.U. Producer\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout traits of \u003cem\u003eA.U. Producer\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eMethley\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eSanta Rosa\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly harvest of sweet, juicy plums\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRipens in late June to early July, with medium to large reddish fruit and golden flesh. Excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and early-season marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBred for disease resistance and Southern climates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped at Auburn University with strong resistance to bacterial fruit spot, making it a reliable producer in hot, humid areas with minimal spraying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartially self-fertile with improved yields from cross-pollination\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWill fruit on its own but does best with a pollinator. Plant with \u003cem\u003eMethley\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSanta Rosa\u003c\/em\u003e, or other Japanese plums for optimal harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy and consistent yields\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLives up to its name with large, dependable crops even on younger trees. Great for homesteaders, small orchards, and growers seeking early fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent choice for food forests and orchard guilds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUpright, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium, well-drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom color:\u003c\/strong\u003e White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit qualities:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to large; reddish-purple skin; amber, sweet flesh; juicy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, preserves, baking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit ripening month:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late June to early July\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRequired chill hours:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~750\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollination requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partially self-fertile; best with \u003cem\u003eMethley\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSanta Rosa\u003c\/em\u003e, or other Japanese plums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.U. Producer\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Farm Connection","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon \/ 4-5' \/ Standard Halford Rootstock","offer_id":49371985576195,"sku":null,"price":1.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/A.U.-Producer-Plum-Bare-Root-Tree-For-Sale_ad5fa0b8-a6e3-4b8f-acb8-5c601865df16.png?v=1734137352","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/plum-a-u-producer","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}