Description
Sprite Cherry Plum is a Zaiger-bred interspecific selected for one simple goal: sweet, refreshing fruit in a small, snackable size. It’s the kind of tree that turns into a daily harvest—walk by, pick a handful, and enjoy fruit that’s meant to be eaten fresh without fuss.
Where many small-fruited hybrids lean tart or “bright,” Sprite goes the other direction. It’s known for sweetness with very low tartness, and it has a practical bonus that backyard growers love: ripe fruit can hold on the tree for weeks, giving you a long, forgiving harvest window rather than a single tight pick date.
Sprite ripens midseason within cherry-plum interspecifics, commonly landing from mid-July into early August in warm-summer reference regions. For consistent fruit set, pair it with a compatible pollenizer nearby—Delight is a proven match.
Overview
- Japanese plum √ó cherry-plum interspecific (Zaiger selection)
- Sweet, refreshing flavor with very low tartness
- Freestone fruit in a small cherry-plum size
- Ripe fruit can hold on the tree for 3–4 weeks
- Midseason ripening within cherry-plum interspecifics
- Requires cross-pollination for reliable production
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus salicina √ó Prunus cerasifera ’Sprite’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: 400 hours
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4–9
Rootstock: Citation
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Semi-dwarf; typically maintained around 10–14 ft with pruning
Flowering Time: Mid flowering (within plum / interspecific plum types)
Ripening Time: Midseason within cherry-plum interspecifics; approx. July 15 to August 10 in warm-summer reference regions (later in cooler areas)
Pollination: Pollination required; pollenized by Delight Cherry Plum planted within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Standard plum and interspecific hybrid considerations; good airflow is important
Yield: Moderate to good once established with proper pollination
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Sprite’s standout trait is its forgiving harvest window—ripe fruit can hold on the tree for weeks, which lets you pick gradually as it reaches peak sweetness.
- Regional Insight: In cool or wet spring climates such as the Pacific Northwest, coastal regions, or higher elevations, bloom weather can limit pollinator flight. Plant Delight nearby, support early pollinators, and avoid sprays during bloom to improve fruit set.
- Ripening Context: Sprite often overlaps closely with Delight in ripening, but the eating experience is distinct: Sprite leans sweet and low-tart, while Delight leans tangy and bright.
- Heritage Note: Dave Wilson notes that many years ago the names “Sprite” and “Delight” were inadvertently switched—today’s descriptions reflect the current, established naming and fruit traits.
- Thin fruit in heavy years to improve size, reduce limb stress, and keep fruit quality consistent.
- Explore more interspecific hybrids in our collection: All Interspecific Hybrids
