{"product_id":"plum-black-rudy","title":"Plum, Black Ruby","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePrunus salicina\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black Ruby')\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Ruby is a high-quality Japanese plum developed by the University of Arkansas for exceptional flavor, attractive dark-colored fruit, and reliable performance in warm climates. This vigorous variety produces large, nearly black-skinned plums with firm, juicy amber flesh that offers an outstanding balance of sweetness and refreshing acidity. Its beautiful spring blossoms, dependable production, and adaptability make Black Ruby an excellent choice for home orchards, food forests, and regenerative fruit-growing systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge, richly flavored fruit with striking color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlack Ruby produces medium to large plums with glossy, deep purple to nearly black skin surrounding firm amber-yellow flesh. The fruit develops a rich, sweet flavor balanced by pleasant acidity, making it excellent for fresh eating as well as baking, preserves, jams, sauces, and freezing. Its firm texture also provides good handling and storage qualities after harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDependable producer for southern orchards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped specifically for the southeastern United States, Black Ruby performs well in warm, humid climates where disease resistance and reliable fruit production are essential. The vigorous trees bear consistently and produce attractive, high-quality fruit with proper care and annual pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupports thriving orchard ecosystems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMasses of fragrant white blossoms emerge in early spring, attracting honey bees, mason bees, bumble bees, mining bees, and numerous native pollinators. Black Ruby fits naturally into fruit tree guilds where companion plants such as comfrey, yarrow, clover, chives, and flowering native perennials help improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and promote natural pest management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful ornamental tree with lasting productivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the fruit develops, the tree is covered in showy white blossoms that brighten the spring landscape. Its rounded canopy and glossy foliage provide ornamental beauty throughout the growing season, while annual pruning maintains strong branch structure and encourages consistent fruit production for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\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 March\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; deep purple-black skin; firm amber-yellow flesh; sweet with balanced acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, baking, preserves, jams, sauces, freezing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit ripening month:\u003c\/strong\u003e June\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRequired chill hours:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700–800 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollination requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires a compatible Japanese plum for cross-pollination. Excellent pollinizers include Methley, Santa Rosa, AU Rosa, and Bruce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Black Ruby in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and provide annual pruning to maintain an open canopy for excellent light penetration and air circulation. Thin fruit during heavy crop years to improve fruit size and reduce limb stress. Whether grown in a backyard orchard, homestead, or food forest, Black Ruby delivers beautiful spring blooms and abundant harvests of richly flavored plums for many seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Missouri Dept of Conservation","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":47404981158147,"sku":"TFT-1824","price":44.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":49371884617987,"sku":"TFT-17106","price":1.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/plum-black-rudy","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}