Reine Claude de Bavay

• Country of origin: Belgium
• Picking season: Late
• Self-fertility: Self-fertile
• Flowering group: 3

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 flavor - 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 flavor, 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".

Prunus domestica

Reine Claude de Bavay plum trees for sale

• 1-year maiden bare-root tree 24.45€
  St. Julien rootstock
  Large size (3m-4m after 10 years)
  

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Next deliveries

Deliveries resume December 2020

How to grow

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

History

Part of the Reine Claude group of plums, known in France since the Middle Ages. 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

• Picking seasonLate
• CroppingGood
• Keeping1-3 days
• Fruit persistenceNormal ripening
• Useful forEating freshCulinary
• Gardening skillAverage
• Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
• Flowering group3
• Pollinating othersAverage
• VigourSlightly small
• Bearing regularityRegular
• Disease resistanceAverage
• Climate typeTemperate climatesWarm climates
• Summer average maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Country of originBelgium
• Period of origin1850 - 1899
• Flower colourWhite
• Fruit colourGreen
• Fruit sizeAverage