In order to pick a perfect plum though, you first have to grow them, and now is the perfect time to think about planting a plum tree.
Not every garden has space though to grow a fruit tree so why not think about training a plum tree into a fan against a fence or wall which not only saves spaces, but means that you will not have to provide additional support for the branches to prevent them snapping under the weight of the fruit, which is often the case with freestanding trees.
The best option is to buy a part-trained fan which will fruit next year, and give you a head start on training the branches against the wall or fence.
The hardest choice may though be in deciding if you would prefer a dessert variety which will produce sweet fruit, or one which is a bit more tart to be used in cooking, and in making jams and preserves.
If that seems like an impossible choice, you can purchase a variety classed as dual-purpose, which will give you the best of both worlds.
Ideally though, two fruit trees are always better than one to help with pollination so you could go for two different varieties, just make sure they will flower at the same time (this information will be on the plant label).
They do not even need to be right beside each other but can be 18m (55ft) apart, so you could have one on either side of your garden growing up opposite fences, or you and a neighbour could both plant a tree. Fans can grow to around 3.5m (11-12ft) wide so do allocate enough wall space or a couple of fence panels to allow for spread.
If you really only have space for one plum fruit to train up your wall or fence, then do make sure the variety is labelled as self-fertile.
Opt for cold-hardy and disease-resistant types that are well-suited to the region. Some excellent choices include 'Victoria,' 'Czar,' and 'Opal'. These varieties will flourish in the Scottish climate and offer a range of flavours and uses.
Plum trees thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Good air circulation is also important to prevent disease, so avoid planting your plum tree in a spot that is too sheltered.
Before planting, ensure your soil is well-prepared. Plums prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. You can improve soil drainage by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Plant your plum tree now in late autumn, or prepare to do it in early spring, when the soil is workable.
It is a good idea to fix horizontal wires to the fence or wall first using metal vines so your tree can be easily trained. The first wire should sit around 40cm (15in) above ground level, with the others set at 15cm (6in) apart moving up the wall or fence.
Dig a hole larger than the root ball of the tree around 15cm (6in) away from the wall or fence.
Position the main stem of the tree at an angle towards the wall or fence, so that the top of the rootball is at the same level as the surrounding soil, adding compost to achieve this where needed.
Tie the stems in to the horizontal wires and water thoroughly after planting.
Pruning is essential for shaping your plum tree and promoting healthy fruit production. In the first year, focus on removing any damaged or crossing branches to encourage a strong framework.
As the tree grows, prune to allow sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree. Pruning in late winter while the tree is dormant is the ideal time.
Your plum tree will benefit from a little protection in winter and the good news is that a fan-trained tree is easier to protect than a freestanding one as you can simply drape horticultural fleece from the top of the fence or wall.
Plum trees benefit from balanced fertilisation so apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid one with too much nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Plum trees can be susceptible to aphids, plum moths, or brown rot. Regularly inspect the leaves, fruits, and branches. If you notice any issues, take action promptly.
These luscious, juicy treats thrive even in Scotland's unpredictable climate. Plant now, and with a little know-how and care, you can enjoy the pleasure of picking your own perfectly plump plums next year.