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Kea plum trees

Prunus domestica
Check pollinators >
Kea is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Mid
  • Self-fertility: Partially self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 3

Kea plum trees originate from the parish of Kea in the valley of the river Fal near Truro and Falmouth in Cornwall. The plums, are usually a dull dark red colour but may also be a blue/black colour. They have a sharp flavour, not particularly nice for eating fresh, but ideal for jam-making.

Kea plum trees for sale

Bare-root

  • BR11-year bare-root tree St. Julien rootstock £38.75
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Please try next season
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Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95, it is calculated based on your postcode.

Growing and Training

The Kea plum evolved in the challenging mild damp climate of Cornwall, and as a result the trees are generally disease-resistant and easy to grow. Kea plums are reasonably self-fertile and a pollinator variety is not needed, although cropping will be improved if there is another different plum variety nearby.

Kea characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilityPartially self-fertile
  • Flowering group3
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climatesWarm climates

Using

  • Picking seasonMid
  • CroppingGood
  • Keeping (of fruit)1 week
  • Food usesCulinaryTraditional cooker

Problems

  • Disease resistanceGood

Identification

  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Blossom colourWhite
  • Fruit colourBlue - darkRed
  • Flesh colourGolden / Yellow

British-grown trees Trees grown in the UK.

Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.

In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance. Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK. Find out more
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Guaranteed fruit trees

When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2021.