When To Pick Mount Royal Plums

You should pick Mount Royal plums when they feel slightly soft to the touch and have developed a deep, rich color.
 
Timing is everything with these plums, and knowing when to pick Mount Royal plums can be the difference between a sweet, juicy bite and a disappointing, tart one.
 
Many gardeners struggle with the exact moment, but there are clear signs that tell you when to pick Mount Royal plums for the best flavor.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the visual cues, the feel test, and the seasonal window that help you know when to pick Mount Royal plums like a pro.
 
Let’s dig in and make sure your harvest is perfectly timed.
 

When To Pick Mount Royal Plums: The Key Signs

Knowing when to pick Mount Royal plums really comes down to observing a few reliable indicators that signal peak ripeness.
 
The best time to pick Mount Royal plums is typically in late August, but that can shift based on your local climate and weather patterns.
 
You’ll want to start checking your tree daily about a week before you expect them to be ready, since these plums can go from underripe to overripe quickly.
 
Here are the main factors that determine when to pick Mount Royal plums so you don’t miss that perfect window.
 

1. Color Change Is Your First Clue

When you’re figuring out when to pick Mount Royal plums, the skin color is usually the first thing you’ll notice changing.
 
Unripe Mount Royal plums are a firm, greenish-yellow, and they’ll gradually shift to a deep purple-blue as they mature.
 
The moment you see that rich, dark color covering the entire fruit, it’s a strong hint that it’s time to consider picking Mount Royal plums.
 
Don’t pick them when they’re still showing green patches on the skin, because those areas signal that the flesh underneath isn’t fully sweet yet.
 

2. The Gentle Squeeze Test

Another reliable way to know when to pick Mount Royal plums is by giving them a very gentle squeeze.
 
A ripe Mount Royal plum will yield slightly to pressure, similar to how a ripe peach or avocado feels.
 
If the plum is rock hard, it’s not ready, and if it feels mushy or overly soft, you’ve waited too long.
 
The sweet spot is a delicate give that tells you the flesh has softened just enough to be juicy and delicious.
 
You should pick Mount Royal plums at this stage because they won’t continue to sweeten much after they’re removed from the tree.
 

3. The Ease of Harvest Test

A trick that many orchard owners use to determine when to pick Mount Royal plums is how easily the fruit separates from the branch.
 
When you’re ready to pick Mount Royal plums, they should come off with a slight twist and almost no effort at all.
 
If you have to tug hard or pull the branch, the plums aren’t ripe yet, and you should leave them on the tree for a few more days.
 
Ripe plums naturally detach from the stem when they’re fully mature, so this is a very practical test for you to use.
 

4. The Taste Test (The Ultimate Checker)

The most foolproof method for knowing when to pick Mount Royal plums is to simply taste one that looks ready.
 
Pick one plum that has the deepest color and the softest feel, then bite into it to check the sweetness.
 
If it’s sugary with a hint of tartness and the flesh is melting, then the time to pick Mount Royal plums has arrived for the rest of the crop.
 
If it’s still starchy or bland, wait another two to three days before you pick more Mount Royal plums from the tree.
 

Why Timing Matters When You Pick Mount Royal Plums

The reason you need to be so precise about when to pick Mount Royal plums is that they are a climacteric fruit, but they don’t ripen well off the tree.
 
Unlike bananas or tomatoes, Mount Royal plums do not gain significant sugar content after being harvested.
 
If you pick Mount Royal plums too early, they’ll soften on your counter, but they’ll stay sour and never reach that honeyed flavor.
 
This means that you must pick Mount Royal plums only when they are fully ripe on the branch to enjoy their true potential.
 
Waiting for the right time also improves the texture, since the flesh becomes buttery and smooth rather than gritty and hard.
 

How Weather Affects When To Pick Mount Royal Plums

The exact date for when to pick Mount Royal plums can vary by a week or two depending on the weather conditions in your area.
 
A hot, sunny summer will push the ripening process forward, meaning you’ll pick Mount Royal plums earlier than usual.
 
Conversely, a cool and cloudy season will delay the sugar development, so you may need to pick Mount Royal plums later in September.
 
Rainfall also matters, as too much water right before harvest can cause the plums to swell and split, which forces you to pick Mount Royal plums before they’re at their peak.
 
Keep an eye on the forecast in late summer, and adjust your picking schedule based on how the tree responds to the conditions.
 

So, When To Pick Mount Royal Plums?

You should pick Mount Royal plums when they are fully colored, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detach from the tree.
 
That perfect harvest window usually arrives in late August, but your local climate will fine-tune the exact timing for you.
 
The most important thing to remember is that you pick Mount Royal plums only after they’ve ripened completely on the branch, because they won’t get sweeter once they’re off.
 
We hope this guide has given you all the confidence you need to pick Mount Royal plums at the absolute peak of flavor.
 
Get out there, check your tree daily, and enjoy the reward of perfectly ripe, juicy plums from your own backyard.