
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 United KingdomSold in Waitrose under the name Reine Claude. Medium sized gage. Adequate flavour but far inferior to Cambridge Gage.
Tree register
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
- Wayne Seagate in Watlington, NORFOLK
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.