An attractive English plum, sometimes known as Early Rivers, or, mistakenly, as a "river plum". Rivers' Early Prolific is, as the name suggests, an early and heavy-cropping plum. Rated by the Victorian fruit enthusiast Hogg as "a great bearer, and very hardy, rarely ever missing a crop".
It is dual-purpose, but arguably better for culinary purposes. (For dessert purposes, Opal is probably better).
Rivers' Early Prolific is easy to grow and crops reliably.
Early Prolific plum identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Early Prolific
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.
Offspring of this variety
Visitor reviews
- 24 Aug 2016 SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AustraliaGrown in our family for 3 generations as Early River. Original tree came from a Light Pass Orchardist. We are delighted to know it's history. Makes stunning dark jam and now fruit leather/rollups. Tough and heavy bearer.
- 29 Jul 2013 NORTH YORKSHIRE, United KingdomThis is an excellent early plum. Good cooked or as an eater. The flavour improves as they ripen.
- 05 Jul 2011 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, United KingdomI like this plum cooked. It is very tasty. I would like to grow it but am unable to find it
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Colin Bowen in
- Dave Hoare in Harefield, MIDDLESEX
- David Coxon in Ipswich, SUFFOLK
- Donna Gillies in Ardgay, HIGHLAND
- Euan Cameron in LARBERT,
- Gillian Smith in Northallerton, YORKSHIRE
- Richard Borrie in York, YORKSHIRE
Spring blossom records for this variety
2012 season
- 28th March 2012 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
- 3rd March 2012 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
2011 season
- May 2011 - tree owned by Gillian in Northallerton, United Kingdom
- 23rd April 2011 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
- 5th April 2011 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2010 season
- 17th April 2010 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
2009 season
- April 2009 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2012 season
- 1st week August 2012 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2011 season
- 1st week July 2011 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
- July 2011 - tree owned by Gillian in Northallerton, United Kingdom
2010 season
- 4th week June 2010 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
2009 season
- 4th week June 2009 - tree owned by Dave in Harefield, United Kingdom
Origins
- Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
- Originates from: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1820
- Developed by: Rivers of Sawbridgeworth
Identification
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Blue - dark
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Early
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweet/Sharp
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking period: mid-July
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 2
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Self-fertility: Self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate 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 Early Prolific plum trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Rivers' Early Prolific plum trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Early Prolific:
United Kingdom
England - midlands
- Walsgrove Farm, Worcester
References
- Fruit Expert
Author: Hessayon