Satsuma Plum Tree

Satsuma Plum Tree produces the dramatic “blood plum” fruit that turns every cut plum into a vivid display. Small-to-medium fruit develops smooth mottled maroon skin around deep red flesh that is juicy, mildly sweet, and richly plum flavored. The saturated color makes Satsuma exceptional fresh and especially beautiful in preserves, sauces, baked desserts, and fruit plates. Showy white blossoms cover the branches in early spring, bringing beauty and pollinator activity before the dark crop begins to form. Associated with Luther Burbank’s influential work with Japanese plums, Satsuma has become a lasting home-orchard favorite because its visual appeal is matched by real kitchen usefulness. For gardeners who want fruit with color all the way through—not merely a dark skin—this variety offers a distinctive harvest with a pleasingly gentle flavor.

Satsuma grows semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock and is suited to USDA zones 6–10, with a confirmed 300-hour chill requirement. In suitable climates, harvest is typically during August. Plant in full sun, thin fruit for size, and maintain even moisture while the red flesh develops.

Satsuma requires a compatible Japanese plum. The confirmed available partner is Santa Rosa Plum; Burgundy is another useful orchard companion.

Satsuma Plum Tree Details

• Fruit: Small to medium plums with mottled maroon skin and deep-red flesh
• Flavor and texture: Juicy, mildly sweet, rich, and gently tangy
• Best uses: Fresh eating, preserves, sauces, baking, and fruit plates
• Harvest: Summer; supplier descriptions differ between late July and August
• USDA zones: 6–10
• Chill hours: 300
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock
• Pollination: Requires another compatible Japanese plum
• Recommended pollinizers: Santa Rosa or Beauty Plum are supplier-recommended choices; confirm local bloom overlap.
• Special care: Thin clusters and keep irrigation consistent as fruit develops
• Something Special: Satsuma reached American orchards through Luther Burbank’s work with Japanese plums and was named for Japan’s former Satsuma province.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart