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Reine Claude de Bavay plum trees

Prunus domestica
Reine Claude de Bavay
Reine Claude de Bavay is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Late Early September
  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 3
The most widely-grown green gage, Reine Claude de Bavay has the distinctive gage-like flavour.

Reine Claude de Bavay plum trees for sale

Bare-root

  • BR11-year bare-root tree VVA-1 rootstock £43.75
    Medium tree (2m-3m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
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Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95. It is calculated when you add trees to your basket, based on your postcode.

If you've ever bought green gages from a supermarket in the UK or western Europe, they are almost certainly Reine Claude de Bavay. Don't worry if you were disappointed with the flavour - you can solve that problem by growing your own!

Whilst a purist might prefer Old Green Gage, Reine Claude de Bavay also has the distinctive gage flavour, but is easier to grow. Cropping is more reliable, but as with all gages, not heavy.

The fruit is medium-sized, and green/yellow when ripe. Rated by Victorian author Hogg as "a first rate dessert plum of exquisite flavor".

How to grow

Although easier to grow than many gages, Reine Claude de Bavay still benefits from a sheltered south-facing position if possible.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Reine Claude de Bavay is thought to originate from Belgium in the 19th century, and was possibly raised by Major Esperen of Mechelen in northern Belgium, who was also responsible for the well-known pear variety Josephine de Malines.

Reine Claude de Bavay characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
  • Flowering group3
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesWarm climates

Using

  • Picking seasonLate
  • CroppingGood
  • Keeping (of fruit)1-3 days
  • Food usesEating freshCulinary

Problems

  • Disease resistanceAverage

Identification

  • Country of originBelgium
  • Period of origin1850 - 1899
  • Blossom colourWhite
  • Fruit colourGreen