Prunus domestica Reine Claude d'Oullins - Organic Common plum

The 'Reine Claude d'Oullins' Organic Greengage is a vigorous, productive, and hardy variety. Self-fertile, it is also an excellent pollinator for other 'Reine-Claude' varieties. Its fruits ripen from late July to August, offering a spread-out harvest. They are round, measuring 4 to 4.5cm (2in) in diameter, and have a thin skin, yellow canary in colour tinged with pink at ripeness. The flesh is green-yellow, semi-fine, semi-tender, sweet, and fragrant. These fruits are mainly used for preserves and jams. This plum tree is naturally resistant to moniliasis, and its fruits do not fall prematurely, making it valuable for windy areas.

Plant from Organic Agriculture.

The origin of plum trees is believed to be Syria, not China. During the time of Roman hegemony in the region, various local fruits including the plum were introduced to Rome. The 'Reine Claude Dorée' or Greengage has been known since then. The 'Reine-Claude d'Oullins' Gage is a variety native to the Lyon region. It was discovered, or perhaps only distributed, by Monsieur Massot in Oullins in the 19th century.

This fruit tree naturally grows up to 8m (26ft) tall at maturity. Its free and slender silhouette is appreciated. It requires little care and maintenance thanks to its hardiness and disease resistance. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can grow in any type of rich, moist, deep, and even heavy soil, but without limestone.

Its leaves are oval, almost oblong, crenate-dentate, and slightly pubescent. Flowering occurs in mid-March for this variety, and it withstands light frosts well. The tree becomes completely covered with white flowers that appear on the previous year's branches. They are self-fertile. This plum tree is particularly good for pollination. It can be used for all varieties of 'Reine Claude dorées'. The fruits, 'Reine-Claudes', are spherical, 4 to 4.5cm (2in) in diameter, with a thin skin, yellow canary in colour tinged with pink at ripeness. They have a short shelf life and are quite sensitive to handling. The flesh, green-yellow in colour, is semi-fine, semi-tender, sweet, and fragrant. These fruits are mainly used for preserves and jams.

Plums are consumed raw at the base of the tree, in fruit salads, but also in desserts, pastries, and as accompaniments to meats and dishes. They are transformed into jams, of course, but also into canned fruits, compotes... They can also be used to make brandy.

Designed for organic cultivation, growing 'Reine-Claude d'Oullins' Organic Gage will be more successful under certain conditions. To prevent diseases and pests, you will need to:
- choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- avoid planting in an area that has hosted other woody plants,
- prune to promote tree ventilation,
- thin out to prevent the development of diseases on the fruits,
- apply compost in limited quantities in autumn, depending on the richness of your soil, and plant grass around the base,
- install multi-species hedges (except Prunus), piles of stones and wood, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
In case of disease, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. The 'Reine-Claude d'Oullins' Organic Gage is resistant to moniliasis. Bordeaux mixture treatments should only be used in case of prolonged humidity and problems.

For transport reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipment. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for high standards. If you would like more information or advice on training your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.