A traditional French gage first recorded in the 18th century, noted for its excellent flavour. Also known as Purple Gage.
USDA identification images for Reine Claude Violette
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.
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Tree register
We don't have any registered trees for this variety yet. If you have a Reine Claude Violette tree you can register it here.
Origins
- Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
Identification
- Country of origin: France
- Period of origin: 1750 - 1799
- Fruit colour: Purple - light
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Rarely grown
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
- Fruit size: Average
- Fruit shape: Round
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Exceptional
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking month: September
- Picking period: late August
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Experienced
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Average
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Biennial tendency
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Frost resistance of blossom: Good resistance
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 6 (-23C)
- 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
- Fruit splitting: Some susceptibility
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Reine Claude Violette plum trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Reine Claude Violette 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.