Pluot trees are a perfect fusion of two summer favorites — plums and apricots — offering the best of both worlds: the sweetness of an apricot and the juiciness of a plum. These hybrid trees have become a must-have for backyard gardeners and orchard growers alike, thanks to their irresistible flavor and reliable production. Before planting your own, it’s important to understand the key factors that ensure healthy growth and abundant harvests: chill hours, planting location, and variety selection with pollination in mind.

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Chill Hours: Matching Your Pluot Tree to Your Climate

Chill hours are the total number of hours that a fruit tree spends in cool temperatures between 32°F and 45°F during the winter. This dormant period helps reset the tree’s biological clock and ensures strong flowering and fruiting in spring.

Pluot trees generally require 400–800 chill hours, depending on the variety. Here’s how that plays out across the country:

• Northern regions (Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oregon) receive 900–1,200 chill hours — excellent for cold-tolerant varieties like Spring Satin.
• Mid-Atlantic and Midwest (Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma) typically get 600–900 hours — ideal for Flavor Supreme.
• Southern states (Georgia, Texas, Florida Panhandle) average 200–500 hours — perfect for low-chill cultivars like Flavor Queen.

Matching the right variety to your local chill hours ensures reliable flowering and consistent fruit set each year.

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Planting Location: Sunlight, Soil, and Protection

Pluot trees thrive in full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for sweet, flavorful fruit. They prefer well-drained, loamy soil, enriched with organic matter. Avoid low-lying or heavy clay areas where water collects, as excess moisture can harm roots.

When planting, give your tree a strong start with the right care:

• Add Nutra Pro First-Year Fertilizer Packs to provide slow, even nutrients.
• Use a transplant mix with moisture-holding polymers to reduce watering frequency and root stress.
• Install tree shelters to protect young trees from deer, rabbits, and sunscald while encouraging upright growth.

Space your trees at least 12–15 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of disease.

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Varieties and Pollination

Choosing the right pluot variety for your region and taste preferences is key:

• Flavor Queen – A yellow-green, low-chill variety known for its honey-sweet flavor and firm texture. Ideal for southern climates.
• Flavor Supreme – A mid-chill variety that produces red-fleshed fruit bursting with juicy, tangy sweetness. Excellent for fresh eating or preserves.
• Spring Satin – A unique early-ripening hybrid that produces deep purple fruit with rich, aromatic flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for northern growers.

Pluots are not self-pollinating, so you’ll need another compatible pollinator—such as a Japanese plum variety (like Santa Rosa or Methley)—nearby to ensure successful fruiting.

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Recipe: Pluot & Goat Cheese Flatbread 🍕🍯

This sweet and savory flatbread makes a quick and elegant appetizer that celebrates the unique flavor of pluots.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet store-bought flatbread or pizza dough
• 2–3 ripe pluots, thinly sliced
• 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Fresh thyme or basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
2. Brush lightly with olive oil and top with slices of pluot and crumbled goat cheese.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy — a true garden-to-table delight.

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🛒 Where to Buy Pluot Trees

For premium, healthy trees and unbeatable value, order from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:

✅ Best prices on Flavor Queen, Flavor Supreme, and Spring Satin pluot trees
✅ Non-GMO, climate-suited selections for every region
✅ Fast shipping to ensure your trees arrive healthy and ready to plant
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your tree doesn’t survive 🛡️

At Ty Ty, planting fruit trees is always zero stress and all success.

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🌟 Final Thought

Pluot trees are a sweet addition to any home orchard, offering exceptional flavor and beauty from spring bloom to summer harvest. By understanding your region’s chill hours, preparing a sunny, well-drained site, and pairing varieties like Flavor Queen, Flavor Supreme, and Spring Satin for cross-pollination, you’ll enjoy a bounty of juicy, flavorful fruit year after year.

Order your bare root pluot trees from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC today and bring a taste of orchard perfection to your backyard.