Reine Claude de Bavay plum trees

• Check 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

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