French Prune Tree

French Improved is a European prune plum with dark purple skin and sweet, dark amber flesh. The fruit is freestone to semi-freestone and is used fresh or dried; the tree is self-compatible. ## Fruit and season [UC Davis Foundation Plant Services](https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?v=670) records “Improved French” as a synonym and describes the fruit as egg-shaped, sweet, and dark red-purple, with dark amber flesh. [Dave Wilson Nursery](https://www.wheretobuy.davewilson.com/product-information/product/french-improved-prune) places it among commercial prune cultivars, reports very late bloom, and gives an approximate mid-August harvest for California’s Central Valley. Local bloom and harvest dates will differ with climate. ## Tree and placement The tree has an upright, vigorous habit. Offered rootstocks can produce different mature sizes, so confirm the rootstock when planning the planting space. Choose full sun and well-drained soil, and leave enough room to prune and harvest comfortably. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and dry spells, then avoid persistently waterlogged soil. Prune during dormancy to maintain a productive framework and remove damaged wood. Monitor fruit as it ripens, harvest promptly, and remove fallen or diseased fruit to reduce sanitation problems.