The Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) is a resilient, native North American shrub known for its fragrant white blossoms and small, tangy, red-purple fruits. These non-GMO Beach Plum seeds produce hardy, salt-tolerant bushes ideal for coastal gardens, edible landscapes, and wildlife habitats.
Highly adaptable and drought-resistant, the Beach Plum thrives in sandy soils and coastal conditions, offering both ornamental and culinary value. Its fruit is commonly used in jams, jellies, and preserves, while its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and natural hedging.
Key Features
- Produces small, edible red-purple plums with tart-sweet flavor
- Fragrant white spring flowers attract pollinators
- Non-GMO native shrub species tolerant to salt and drought
- Perfect for coastal, sandy, or well-drained soils
- Ideal for edible landscaping, windbreaks, or wildlife planting
Specifications
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Beach Plum |
| Scientific Name | Prunus maritima |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Fruit Shrub |
| Growth Habit | Rounded, spreading bush |
| Heirloom | Yes |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO |
| Organic | Naturally untreated seed form |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 3–8 |
| Sunlight Requirement | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Season | Spring or fall planting recommended |
| Watering | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Days to Germination | 30–90 days (cold stratification required) |
| Mature Height | 3–7 feet |
| Spread | 4–8 feet |
| Flower Color | White (spring bloom) |
| Fruit Color | Red to purple plums |
| Pollination | Requires cross-pollination for best fruit yield |
| Maintenance | Low; prune after fruiting to maintain shape |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies |
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Cold-stratify seeds for 8–12 weeks in moist sand or peat at 35–40°F.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep in well-drained, sandy soil.
- Temperature: Maintain 65–75°F for germination after stratification.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.
- Watering: Keep soil slightly moist during germination; water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Care: Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.
