Blue Tit is an interesting example of crossing a gage (Green Gage) with a plum (Czar). In this case the result is very much a plum rather than gage-like, and can perhaps be considered as a superior version of Czar. It inherits Czar's excellent reliability, self-fertility, and heavy cropping. Like Czar, Blue Tit is generally considered a culinary plum, but when fully ripe it has some of the gage-like flavour of Green Gage and makes a very acceptable dessert plum. It is also not quite as hardy as Czar, and like most gages prefers a sheltered sunny aspect.
Blue Tit plum identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Blue Tit
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.
Parents and other ancestors of this variety
- Czar (parent)
- Old Green Gage (parent)
Visitor reviews
- 06 Sep 2013 United KingdomA good tasting dessert, makes a great jam too, the flesh doesn't disintegrate so you get nice chunks of plum in your jam
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Dominic in Wednesbury,
- Graham Silcocks in Hatherop, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Origins
- Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
- Parentage: Czar x Green Gage
- Originates from: Bedford, United Kingdom
- Developed by: Laxton Brothers
Identification
- Awards: RHS AGM (current)
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
- Fruit colour: Blue - dark
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Best sellers
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweet/Sharp
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking period: mid-August
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Weak growing
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Organic culture: Suitable
- Self-fertility: Self-fertile
Climate
- Frost resistance of blossom: Good resistance
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
- Cold hardiness (RHS): H5 (to -15C)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Blue Tit plum trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Blue Tit plum 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.