The Red Hog Plum Tree, also known as the Red Mombin, is a widely grown fruit tree that comes from the tropics but can also be grown in many locations outside of its native habitat. Mature trees in the Caribbean can reach heights of 70 feet, but will stay smaller in cooler climates. The Red Hog Plum tree is a Cashew relative grown for its red, sweet, plum-like fruits. Red Hog Plum Trees have medium-green, pointed, shiny oval leaves that can be cooked and eaten when young. The bark is thick and resembles cork, and the pretty leaves and bright fruits make the tree a great ornamental adition to the edible landscape.
Mature Red Hog Plums are about 2 inches long, oval, yellow when young, then glossy bright red when mature. This changing color makes it easy to know when to harvest the fruits. Red Hog Plums are very juicy, tart, and slightly acidic with a single, unedible seed. The tropical flavor of Ripe Red Hog Plums combines tartness and tangy sweetness and they are usually eaten fresh. Red Hog Plum Trees are recommended for growing in the ground within USDA Zones 6 to 11, and in pots in Zones 4 to 11.
Plant Red Hog Plum Trees in the fall in a well-drained location that has available organic matter in the soil. Be sure that the area is not prone to standing water. Red Hog Plum Trees can be grown in full sun to partial shade and both locations will produce fruit. But if you want the maximum fruit production, then a location that receives direct sun for most of the day then afternoon shade is perfect. Red Hog Plum Trees can be expected to begin producing crops within 1 to 2 years in the ground. Prune after leaves fall but before new buds appear in spring.
Red Hog Plum Trees go dormant in winter and it is normal for them to drop all of their leaves. When the trees bloom the fruit will follow and be ready in about 50 days. Feed at 3 month intervals using citrus fertilizer in the amounts suggested by the fertilizer manufacturer according to tree size, and always water in well. Mulch Red Hog Plum Trees and keep the area under the tree free of weeds and grass. Water when soil dries down to a depth of 2-inches.
Red Hog Plum Harvesting and Uses
Red Hog Plums picked to eat fresh are harvested when they are bright red. They can also be used to make juice, jelly, and blended smoothies. Fresh Red Hog Plums can be used in fruit salads, salsa, or to top desserts like ice cream or cake. Red Hog Plums that are still yellow can be cooked in stews and seafood dishes and are also used to feed chickens and other small livestock.
Fully ripe Red Hog Plums will eventually start to fall from the tree. Be sure to clean up any fallen fruit from around the tree to prevent pests and fungus. Fallen Red Hog Plums and prunned branches can be added to compost. At the end of the fruiting cycle, pick any remaining Red Hog Plums and add a new layer of mulch to the tree base. Pull mulch back when fertilizing and add finished compost to the tree base out to the dripline at any time.
Advice
Red Hog Plum Trees can also be grown in pots in Zones 4 to 11. Start the potted tree in a container that is 3 to 7 gallons. Use rich potting soil that drains well and add some organic matter like compotsed guano. Repot the tree into a larger container once every year until it is growing in a pot that is at least 15 gallons. All pots must have holes for drainage. Place potted trees outside in spring and summer, then bring indoors in colder months. Place indoor trees in the sunniest window possible.
If you need to Prune your Red Hog Plum Trees, do so when the trees are dormant. By prunning your Red Hog Plum Trees each year you can keep them at a smaller, manageable size. However, the trees do not have to be pruned in order to bloom. Remove all prunned materials from the immediate area around the tree, cut the branches into 6-inch pieces, and compost them. You can prune potted trees in the same manner, although potted trees will naturally remain smaller than trees growing in the ground.
FAQs
When do Red Hog Plum Trees bloom?
Red Hog Plum Trees bloom in spring after dropping their leaves in winter.
How tall will a Red Hog Plum Tree get?
In their native locations Red Hog Plum Trees can reach 70 feet tall. They can be kept smaller by prunning while dormant, or by growing in pots.
Are Red Hog Plum Trees self-pollinating?
Yes. Red Hog Plum Trees are self-pollinating and a single tree will bloom and grow delicious fruit.
Can I grow a Red Hog Plum Tree in Georgia?
Yes, Red Hog Plum Trees can be grown in the ground from USDA Zones 6 to 11, which includes Zones 7 and 8, that make up the majority of Georgia.
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