For a tasty, large plum in your backyard orchard, consider growing Excalibur. Care for an Excalibur plum tree is easier than for some other fruit trees, although you will need another plum tree nearby for pollination.
Excalibur Plum Facts
Excalibur is a cultivar that was developed about 30 years ago to improve upon the Victoria plum. The fruits are larger and also are generally considered tastier than those from the Victoria tree. Excalibur plums are large, red, and sweet, with a yellow flesh. You can enjoy them fresh, but Excalibur plums also stand up well to cooking and baking. They can be canned or frozen to preserve them through the winter. Fresh plums will only hold up for a few days. Expect to get fewer fruits than you would from a Victoria tree but of higher quality. Get ready to harvest your plums in early or mid-August.
Growing Excalibur Plums
Excalibur plum tree care is considered to be relatively easy. With the right conditions, this tree will grow and thrive, producing abundant fruit each year. Plant your tree in a spot with soil that drains well and that is adequately fertile. Add compost or other organic material to the soil before planting if necessary. The tree will need a spot with full sun and enough space to grow as well. Watering regularly is essential in the first season while your tree establishes strong roots, but in subsequent years you should only need to water when rainfall is unusually light. Excalibur trees should be pruned at least once a year, and while it has good disease resistance, watch out for signs of illness or pests. Being proactive about disease is important for protecting your tree. Excalibur is not self-pollinating, so you will need another plum tree in the same general area. Acceptable pollinators for an Excalibur tree include Victoria, Violetta, and Marjories Seedling. Depending on your location, the plums will be ready to harvest and eat fresh or cook with in August.
