Reine Claude de Bavay gage

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 flavour".

Reine Claude de Bavay gage identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

USDA identification images for Reine Claude de Bavay

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Visitor reviews

13 Sep 2014 DavidUnited Kingdom
Sold in Waitrose under the name Reine Claude. Medium sized gage. Adequate flavour but far inferior to Cambridge Gage.

United States

Andrew in Broomfield, CO
Jennifer Camacho in Eureka, CALIFORNIA
Nathan Parker in Mount Shasta, CA

United Kingdom

Billy Auger in Hopton Wafers, SHROPSHIRE
David Styles in Hove, EAST SUSSEX
Graeme Coates in Standlake, OXON
John Leitch in Ayr, AYRSHIRE
Laura Campbell in STOCKPORT, GTR MANCHESTER
Laurence Streatfield in Hayle, CORNWALL
Mrs Stephanie Bond in Stourton Caundle, DORSET
Peter Tyler in Eye, SUFFOLK

France

Paul Kendall in Poupas, TARN-ET-GARONNE

New Zealand

Jo in Gisborne, EAST COAST

Spring blossom records for this variety

2018 season

13th April 2018 - tree owned by David in Hove, United Kingdom

2015 season

7th April 2015 - tree owned by Graeme in Standlake, United Kingdom

2012 season

13th April 2012 - tree owned by Peter in Eye, United Kingdom

Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.

Harvest records for this variety

2013 season

1st week October 2013 - tree owned by John in Ayr, United Kingdom

Origins

Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
Originates from: Belgium
Introduced: 19th century

Identification

Country of origin: Belgium
Period of origin: 1850 - 1899
Fruit colour: Green
Flower colour: White
Leaf colour: Green
Popularity: Under-rated
Annual cycle: Deciduous
Flower form: Single flower (5-8 petals)
Fruit size: Average
Fruit shape: Round

Using

Picking season: Late
Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
Flavour quality: Very good
Cropping: Good
Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
Food uses: Eating fresh
Food uses: Culinary
Picking month: August
Picking period: early September
Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

Growing

Gardening skill: Average
Flowering group: 3
Pollinating others: Average
Vigour: Slightly small
Bearing regularity: Regular
Self-fertility: Self-fertile
Sunlight: Prefers full sun
Pruning: Do not prune

Climate

Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 5 (-29C)
Climate suitability: Temperate climates
Climate suitability: Warm climates
Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)

Other qualities

Disease resistance: Average

Where to buy trees

The following tree nurseries offer Reine Claude de Bavay gage trees for sale:

Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Reine Claude de Bavay gage trees

Where to buy fresh fruit

No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.

Varieties you viewed

Gage - Reine Claude de Bavay