Science & Nature • Fruit

Plumcot

A plumcot is a hybrid stone fruit created by crossing a plum and an apricot.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A plumcot is a hybrid stone fruit created by crossing a plum and an apricot. It belongs to the genus Prunus and is generally described as an interspecific hybrid with traits from both parent fruits. The name has also been used for related plum-apricot hybrids, and usage can vary by grower and source.

Description

Plumcots are stone fruits that combine characteristics of plums and apricots. They may vary in skin texture, flavour, colour, and ripening time depending on the variety.

History and breeding

The plumcot name is associated with early plum-apricot hybridisation efforts linked to Luther Burbank. Later breeders developed related hybrids such as pluots and apriums through further selective breeding.

Cultivation and availability

Plumcots are grown commercially in limited varieties and are usually sold during the summer season. They are commonly described as specialty fruit rather than a year-round staple.

Relation to other hybrids

Plumcot is one of several names used for plum-apricot hybrids. In common usage, plumcots are often described as closer to a 50/50 plum-apricot cross, while pluots and apriums refer to later or differently balanced hybrids.

Key facts

Plumcots are interspecific hybrids of plums and apricots.
The fruit is often described as having a balance of plum and apricot traits.
The term has historically been used for first-generation plum-apricot crosses.
Plumcots are not genetically modified fruits; they are produced through conventional breeding.
Related names such as pluot and aprium are used for later-generation or differently balanced plum-apricot hybrids.

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Canadian context

Plumcots are sold in some Canadian specialty produce markets and grocery stores during the summer, but they are not a major Canadian crop.

Frequently asked questions

What is a plumcot?

A plumcot is a hybrid stone fruit made by crossing a plum with an apricot.

Is a plumcot the same as a pluot?

Not always. Plumcot is often used for a more even plum-apricot hybrid, while pluot usually refers to later-generation hybrids with more plum characteristics.

Who developed the plumcot?

The plumcot is commonly associated with horticulturist Luther Burbank, who worked on plum-apricot hybrids in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Is a plumcot genetically modified?

No. Sources describe plumcots as products of natural crossbreeding rather than genetic modification.

When are plumcots in season?

Plumcots are generally a summer fruit and are available only for a short season.

References

Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/plumcot
Supports: Definition of plumcot as a hybrid of a plum and an apricot.
Specialty Produce — https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Plumcot_7481.php
Supports: Plumcot as an interspecific hybrid in the Prunus genus, seasonal availability, and conventional breeding.
Frank P. Matthews — https://www.frankpmatthews.com/advice/plumcot-pluots-and-aprium-hybrid-fruit-a-comprehensive-guide/
Supports: Historic use of the term plumcot for early plum-apricot hybrids and association with Luther Burbank.
Veggipedia — https://www.veggipedia.nl/en/fruits-and-vegetables/plumcot
Supports: Description of plumcot as a cross between Japanese plum and apricot, appearance and flavour notes.
NPR — https://www.npr.org/2009/07/01/106098949/pluots-and-apriums-the-best-of-both-parents
Supports: Background on Luther Burbank, later hybrid development, and distinction between plumcots, pluots, and apriums.
Mountain View Fruit — https://www.mvfruit.com/oldsite/fruit/plumcots/
Supports: Commercial breeding history and first sales of plumcots.