Source: Wikimedia Commons
Toji Japanese apricot
IntermediatePrunus mume 'Toji'
A white yabai-group ume named for starting to bloom around the winter solstice (toji). It bears single white medium flowers very early and in great numbers, and thickens its trunk well. Also called Toji-bai; a staple starter plant for ume bonsai.
About
Toji (also Toji-bai) is a flowering ume cultivar said to be named for blooming early, around the winter solstice (toji). It belongs to the near-wild yabai group and bears single, white, medium flowers. Sakai City's ume garden classes it as very early. In the Fukui Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station's comparison of seven cultivars it carried many flower buds per shoot—none except 'Osakazuki' matched its flower count—and its trunk thickened very well, a useful trait for building bonsai trunks; fruit set varied by year. Yabai-group ume are generally strongly scented, with rather small flowers and plenty of branching. Single white flowers that open very early identify it. Similarly named but distinct cultivars include the pale pink 'Beni-toji', the green-stemmed 'Aojiku-toji' and the dwarf 'Chabo-toji', so check the label and flower colour. Because it flowers so early, it is widely sold as a starter plant for ume bonsai and as material for group plantings.
Lifespan of the Toji Japanese apricot
The Toji Japanese apricot lives Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old.
Size of the Toji Japanese apricot
The Toji Japanese apricot grows to Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (flowering ume cultivar, yabai group)
Lifespan
Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old
Size
Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Needs plenty of sun from spring to set flower buds. Keep in a sunny, airy spot, with shade cloth in summer as leaves scorch easily
Watering
Naturally thirsty and dries fast while in leaf: 1–2 times daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter, soaking once the surface dries
Temperature & overwintering
Dormant in winter. Protect under the bench or in a cold frame so frozen soil and late frosts do not damage the roots
Soil & repotting
Mostly akadama with about 20% free-draining grit. Repot around February before budbreak, together with post-flowering pruning: every 1–2 years, 2–3 for old trees
Fertilizer
A heavy feeder: small regular feeds March–June after flowering, stop in summer while buds form, then feed well Sept–Nov. Use a phosphorus-rich flowering/fruiting fertilizer
Pruning & styling
Remove spent flowers at 50–70% bloom to save the tree's strength, and prune right after flowering. Buds form in July–August, so in May pinch new shoots on mature trees at 4–6 nodes
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, spider mites, scale, clearwing moth borers (oozing sap), powdery mildew and scab. Flowering ume are prone to bacterial canker, so avoid strong wind
Toji Japanese apricot FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Toji Japanese apricot?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the lifespan of Toji Japanese apricot?
The average lifespan of Toji Japanese apricot is Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Toji Japanese apricot get?
The mature size of Toji Japanese apricot is Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Toji Japanese apricot?
Toji Japanese apricot: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Toji Japanese apricot?
The price of Toji Japanese apricot varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES listing search)
- MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
- Chita City: Ume cultivars around Sori Pond (PDF)
- Fukui Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station: Flowering ume cultivars (PDF)
- Sakai City: Kozen Park ume cultivars (early)
- MK Media: Main ume cultivars
- Uekipedia: Japanese apricot
- Kimi's mini bonsai days: Ume care
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no ume entry for 'Toji' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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