Plant Profile
Mirabelle plumPrunus domestica subsp. syriaca
The Mirabelle plum is a sweet, golden-yellow stone fruit popular for fresh eating, jams, and cakes. It is robust and easy to care for, but requires a sunny location and regular pruning.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
LupineComfreyBorageMarigold
Avoid
Walnut treeRaspberry
Indoor & direct sowing
Mirabelle plum: Sowing and germination
Mirabelle plums are generally not sown indoors but planted as grafted young trees.
Sowing pits outdoors in autumn for natural stratification. Note that trees grown from pits may not be true to type.
Planting & site
Mirabelle plum: Planting and spacing
Planting young trees in spring or autumn. Autumn planting is often preferred to allow the tree to establish before winter.
Temperature & frost
Mirabelle plum: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Mirabelle plum: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Mirabelle plum: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Mirabelle plum Calendar
In spring, the Mirabelle plum tree enchants with an abundance of white blossoms that attract bees.
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- Regular wateringEspecially important during fruit development. · dry_periods - Ensure fruits receive sufficient water.
- Monitor for pests and diseasesregular: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. · regular - Pay special attention to fruit rot in humid weather.
Next up
July
- Start of harvestFruits are ripe when soft and easily detached from the stem.
- Regular wateringEspecially important during fruit development. · dry_periods - Supports fruit development and quality.
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Plant health
- Check for winter damage and pestsPay special attention to bark cracks and overwintering pests.
February
Pruning
- Continue winter pruningShape and thinning cuts.
Plant health
- Check for pests and diseasesregular: Pay attention to egg masses and fungal infections.
March
Growing
- First fertilizationIncorporate compost or organic complete fertilizer.
Plant health
- Monitor for early pest infestationregular: Pay special attention to aphids on young shoots.
April
Growing
- Blossom frost protectionCover with fleece or irrigate.
Plant health
- Monitor for blossom blightRemove infected blossoms and shoots.
May
Growing
- Fruit thinningFor larger fruits and to relieve stress on the tree.
- Regular wateringEspecially important during fruit development.
Plant health
- Monitor for pests and diseasesregular: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases.
June
Growing
- Regular wateringEspecially important during fruit development. · dry_periods - Ensure fruits receive sufficient water.
Plant health
- Monitor for pests and diseasesregular: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. · regular - Pay special attention to fruit rot in humid weather.
August
Harvest
- Main harvestHarvest regularly to prevent overripening and fruit drop.
Growing
- Regular wateringEspecially important during fruit development. · dry_periods - Important for tree regeneration after harvest.
Pruning
- Light thinning, removal of water shoots, promotion of fruit wood formationPerform after harvest. Reduces vigor and promotes the formation of flower buds for the next year.
- Summer pruning after harvestTo promote fruit wood formation and thinning.
September
Planting
- Preparation for autumn plantingsPrepare planting holes and improve soil.
Harvest
- Post-harvest careMulch around the tree base and water if necessary.
October
Growing
- Mulch around the tree baseProtects against frost and retains moisture.
November
Growing
- Check tree stakesregular: Ensure ties are not cutting into the bark.
- Winter protection for young treesProtect trunk with jute or reed mats.
December
Growing
- Garden planningUse winter months for planning the next gardening year.
Flowering & pollination
Mirabelle plum Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
April to May
Flower color
White
Self-fertility
self-fertile
Pollinator needed
no
Overview
Most Mirabelle plum varieties are self-fertile, but cross-pollination by other Mirabelle or plum varieties can improve yield and fruit quality.
Notes
Bees and other insects are the main pollinators. Proximity to other Prunus species can enhance pollination.
Pruning & care
Mirabelle plum Pruning & care
Pruning type
Obstbaumschnitt (Erziehungs- und Erhaltungsschnitt)
Notes
Mirabelle plums tend to grow vigorously and can quickly become unproductive without pruning. Regular, but not overly radical, pruning is important.
Pruning timing
Training pruning, thinning pruning, corrective pruning Perform on frost-free days to promote wound healing and avoid gummosis. Complete before bud break.
Light thinning, removal of water shoots, promotion of fruit wood formation Perform after harvest. Reduces vigor and promotes the formation of flower buds for the next year.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent disease transmission and create smooth wounds. Disinfect tools after cutting diseased branches.
Companion guide
Mirabelle plum Companion guide
Good neighbors
LupineComfreyBorageMarigoldChives
Avoid
Walnut treeRaspberry
Use & storage
Mirabelle plum Use & storage
Harvest time varies by variety and climate, but typically begins in mid-summer.
Storage
Short-term fresh, long-term processed
Storage life
Fresh: 2-4 days in the refrigerator; Processed: Months to years (depending on method)
Primary use
Fresh consumption and preservation
Flavor
Sweet, aromatic, slightly tart
Harvest
Harvest time varies by variety and climate, but typically begins in mid-summer.
Culinary uses
Processing
After harvest
Mirabelle plums are delicate and should be harvested and transported carefully. Cool quickly after harvest to extend shelf life.
Notes
Mirabelle plums are versatile and excellent for sweet dishes and beverages.
Edibility & safety
Mirabelle plum Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Mirabelle pits contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed in large quantities. They should not be eaten.
Animal safety
This plant is not simply safe or unsafe for animals. 14 animal types have restrictions, so quantity, access, and plant part matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogFruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits can release hydrogen cyanide, leading to severe poisoning symptoms. With only fruit flesh consumption, mild gastrointestinal upset is usually expected.
Open animal page
CatFruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits or large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Open animal page
RabbitFruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Consumption of pits in large quantities
Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be removed, as they can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed. Excessive fruit consumption may cause digestive issues due to sugar content.
Open animal page
Guinea pigFruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits or large amounts of fruit flesh may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Open animal page
HamsterFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Consumption of pits, leaves, or stems, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Mirabelle fruit flesh is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Feed only pit-free fruit flesh and limit quantity to avoid digestive issues.
Open animal page
BudgieFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption, Consumption of leaves or stems
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for budgies in small amounts as an occasional treat. The pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and must be removed, as they can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed. Excessive fruit consumption may lead to digestive issues due to sugar content. No species-specific sources found; classification based on general plant toxicity and dietary patterns of…
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseFruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed)
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties in large amounts
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of Mirabelle plums is suitable for horses in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must be removed, as they can release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or digested. Excessive fruit consumption may cause digestive upset.
Open animal page
ChickenFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Consumption of pits, leaves, or stems, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Respiratory distress
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Excessive fruit consumption may cause digestive issues.
Open animal page
Duckfruit flesh
pit (seed), leaves, stems
fruit flesh
pit (seed), leaves, stems
consumption of pits or wilted leaves
vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The flesh of ripe Mirabelle plums is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption of the flesh may cause diarrhea due to sugar content.
Open animal page
GooseFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Consumption of pits, Excessive fruit consumption, Consumption of leaves or twigs
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Mirabelle fruit flesh is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat. The pits, leaves, and twigs contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Excessive fruit consumption may cause digestive issues.
Open animal page
SheepFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Stems
Consumption of pits, leaves, or stems, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
contact a vet if ingested
Mirabelle fruit flesh is suitable for sheep in small amounts as an occasional treat. Pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consuming large quantities of fruit flesh may cause gastrointestinal upset due to sugar content.
Open animal page
GoatFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Consumption of pits, leaves, or young twigs
Difficulty breathing, Tremors, Mucous membrane irritation
contact a vet if ingested
The fruit flesh of Mirabelle plums is suitable for goats in small amounts as a treat, but pits, leaves, and young twigs contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed. Overfeeding fruit may cause digestive upset.
Open animal page
CattleFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Consumption of pits or wilted leaves, Access to fallen fruit with pits
Difficulty breathing, Trembling, Drooling
contact a vet if ingested
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle is suitable for cattle in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and twigs contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide when consumed, potentially causing poisoning symptoms. Ingestion of larger quantities requires veterinary attention.
Open animal page
PigFruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Fruit flesh
Pit (seed), Leaves, Twigs
Consumption of pits, leaves, or twigs, Excessive fruit consumption
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Difficulty breathing
contact a vet if symptoms appear
The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for pigs in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and twigs contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide and are toxic. If toxic parts are consumed, monitor for symptoms and contact a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
selected parts only
Urgency
contact a vet if ingested
Saving seed
Mirabelle plum Saving seed
Seed saving
yes
Seed viability
1 - 2 years
Practical tips
Mirabelle plum Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Success pattern
High-impact tips
Grower observations
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Plum fruit moth
- Wormy fruits
- Feeding tunnels in flesh
- Premature fruit drop
Aphids
- Curled leaves
- Sticky honeydew
- Stunted shoots
Plum sawfly
- Small boreholes in young fruits
- Fruits drop prematurely
- Frass inside the fruit
Diseases
Monilia blossom blight and fruit rot
- Wilting and dieback of blossoms and young shoots (blossom blight)
- Brown rot on fruits with concentric mold rings
Plum pox virus (Sharka)
- Yellowish rings or spots on leaves
- Deformed, unpalatable fruits with ring-shaped depressions
- Premature fruit drop
Plum rust
- Yellowish to rust-brown pustules on the upper leaf surface
- Underside of leaves with rust-brown spore masses
- Premature leaf drop
Deficiencies
Iron deficiency
- Young leaves pale yellow to whitish, veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis)
- Growth disorders
Potassium deficiency
- Leaf margins turn yellow, then brown and dry out (leaf margin necrosis)
- Poor fruit development and quality
- Reduced winter hardiness
Nitrogen deficiency
- Leaves pale green to yellowish, especially older leaves
- Poor shoot growth
- Small fruits
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Mirabelle plum Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Regularly observe your Mirabelle plum tree for changes in leaves, shoots, blossoms, and fruits. Look for discolorations, deformities, feeding damage, coatings, or unusual growth patterns. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
First response
Diagnostic rules
Wilted blossoms and young shoots that turn brown and die back
Possible causes: Monilia blossom blight fruit rot, Late frost damage
- Is it humid and cool during flowering?
- Were there late frosts?
Yellowish rings or spots on leaves, deformed fruits with depressions
Possible causes: Sharka virus
- Check for aphids
- Compare with images of Sharka symptoms
- Consult an expert
Wormy fruits with boreholes and feeding tunnels
Possible causes: Plum Fruit Moth, Plum sawfly
- Check fruits for borehole size and type of frass
- Use pheromone traps
Curled, sticky leaves on shoot tips, often with small insects
Possible causes: Aphids
- Visual inspection of leaf undersides and shoot tips for aphids
FAQ
When is the best time to plant Mirabelle plums?
In spring (March/April) or autumn (October/November), with autumn planting often preferred to allow the tree to establish before winter.
Do I need to prune Mirabelle plum trees?
Yes, regular training and maintenance pruning is important for good crown development, health, and stable yields. Without pruning, Mirabelle plum trees can quickly become unproductive.
Are Mirabelle plums self-fertile?
Most Mirabelle plum varieties are self-fertile, meaning they do not require a second variety for pollination. However, cross-pollination by other Mirabelle or plum varieties can improve yield and fruit quality.
What to do about wormy Mirabelle plums?
Wormy Mirabelle plums often indicate an infestation by the plum fruit moth. Collect and dispose of infested fallen fruit daily. Pheromone traps can be used for monitoring and mass trapping.
Is Mirabelle plum safe for Dog?
Mirabelle plum is classified as selected parts only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits can release hydrogen cyanide, leading to severe poisoning symptoms. With only fruit flesh consumption, mild gastrointestinal upset is usually expected.
Is Mirabelle plum safe for Cat?
Mirabelle plum is classified as selected parts only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits or large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Is Mirabelle plum safe for Rabbit?
Mirabelle plum is classified as selected parts only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be removed, as they can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed. Excessive fruit consumption may cause digestive issues due to sugar content.
Is Mirabelle plum safe for Guinea pig?
Mirabelle plum is classified as selected parts only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit flesh of the Mirabelle plum is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat. The pits contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be fed. Consumption of pits or large amounts of fruit flesh may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Toxic Garden Plants for Cats: Safer Planning
Learn which garden plants can be risky for cats, how to plan safer beds, and what to do if a cat eats a toxic plant.
Internal links
Related plants
Pyrus communis
Belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae)
Cherry
Belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae)
Both are stone fruit trees
Cherry plum
Closely related, same genus Prunus
Raspberry
Belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae)
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-14
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-14
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Mirabelle
Wikipedia · 2026-05-14
- English Wikipedia: Mirabelle plum
Wikipedia · 2026-05-14