Plum, Ox Heart

Plum, ‘Ox Heart’ (Prunus domestica or Prunus salicina, cultivar-dependent)

‘Ox Heart’ Plum is a heirloom plum cultivar known for its large, heart-shaped fruit, rich flavor, and juicy, dark flesh. Though its exact lineage can vary depending on regional selections, it is typically a European-style plum, offering dense texture and excellent sweetness. This variety is ideal for fresh eating, preserving, and baking, and makes a beautiful addition to home orchards, fruit tree guilds, and food forests. As a bare root tree, it establishes quickly and integrates well into regenerative orchard systems.

Key Characteristics

Large, Sweet, Heart-Shaped Fruit
The fruit is deep red to purple, with a distinctive heart-like shape, juicy interior, and rich flavor. Flesh is often firm and semi-freestone, perfect for fresh eating, tarts, and preserves.

Reliable Yields and Mid-Season Ripening
‘Ox Heart’ produces a generous crop in mid to late summer, depending on climate. The fruit holds well on the tree and has good resistance to splitting, a common problem in some plums during wet spells.

Pollination Needs
While some strains may be partially self-fertile, ‘Ox Heart’ typically requires a pollination partner for reliable yields. Good partners include ‘Methley’, ‘Santa Rosa’, or another Japanese/European plum, depending on your regional strain.

Vigorous Growth and Landscape Appeal
This plum tree grows with a broad, spreading canopy, offering showy white blossoms in early spring, followed by dark green foliage and late-summer fruit. A great addition to orchard edges, permaculture plantings, or as a standalone fruiting tree.

Prefers Well-Drained, Fertile Soil
Like most plums, it prefers medium, well-drained soils and does best in a sunny location with good air flow to reduce disease pressure. Add mulch and companion plants for moisture retention and pest management.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom Time: Mid-season (April in most regions)
• Bloom Color: White
• Fruit Qualities: Large, heart-shaped, red-purple skin, juicy, rich flavor
• Fruit Uses: Fresh eating, baking, preserving
• Fruit Ripening Month: July–August
• Required Chill Hours: Approx. 800–1,000 hours
• Pollination Requirements: Needs pollination partner
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

‘Ox Heart’ is a flavorful, reliable heirloom plum variety that adds sweetness and character to any diverse orchard or food forest. Its unique fruit shape and deep flavor make it a standout choice for growers who value both taste and tradition.