Technical sheet of the Plum variety Mirabelle de Metz
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Color of the fruit flesh: Fine and very fragrant, with a honey taste.
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Skin color: Golden yellow, tinged with pink in the sun.
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Size and shape: Small, ovoid, less than 3 centimeters in diameter.
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Tree size: 3 to 5 meters tall when mature.
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Fruit maturity: Mid-August.
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Fruit taste: Very sweet, with a honey taste when very ripe.
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Earliness of the variety: Early.
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Fruiting period: Mid-August to September.
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Disease resistance and storage: Very disease resistant.
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Variety yield: Very productive, capable of producing up to 50 kg of fruit per year.
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Is this variety self-fertile? Not self-fertile, requires pollinators (Reine Claude Dorée, Reine Claude d'Althan, Reine Claude d'Oullins).
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Commercial use: Fresh, fruit salads, desserts, pastries, accompaniments to meats and dishes. Processing into jams, fruit in syrup, compotes, brandies.
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Comments: Very old, known since 1675. Likes sun or partial shade, sheltered from the wind. Grows in any type of rich, fresh, deep or even heavy soil, but without limestone.
Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Mirabelle de Metz
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is an ancient and emblematic variety , cultivated mainly in the east of France , notably in Lorraine, Haute-Saône and Alsace , where it benefits from the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Mirabelle de Lorraine" . It is prized for its small golden, sweet and fragrant fruits , which are intended for fresh consumption, baking, jam and distillation . Thanks to its hardiness and resistance to diseases , it is an ideal option for producers looking for a profitable and traditional crop .
This medium-sized tree (3 to 5 meters) is vigorous and hardy , able to withstand temperatures down to -20°C , making it a perfect choice for continental climates with harsh winters . It thrives in rich, fresh and deep soils , although it avoids calcareous and heavy soils . A sunny or semi-shaded exposure is recommended to ensure good fruiting .
At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we offer carefully selected Mirabelle de Metz plum plants , guaranteeing optimal recovery and regular production . Buying Mirabelle de Metz plum plants from a specialist ensures efficient and profitable cultivation .
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is partially self-fertile , but its production is optimized in the presence of compatible pollinators , such as Reine-Claude Dorée, Reine-Claude d'Oullins or Reine-Claude d'Althan . It offers a high and constant yield , requiring light annual pruning to maintain abundant production and good fruit quality .
Metz Mirabelle plums are small (less than 3 cm), golden yellow in color with red speckles . Their fine, juicy and very sweet flesh develops characteristic honey aromas . They are ideal for:
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Consume fresh , with a mild and sweet flavor.
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Jams and compotes , thanks to their flesh rich in sugar.
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Pastries and pies , where they bring a unique flavor.
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Distillation of brandy , an emblematic specialty of Lorraine.
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Food processing , thanks to their excellent cooking properties.
The harvest begins in mid-August and continues until September , extending the plum season and meeting strong demand on the fresh and processing markets .
As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse supports French producers by providing them with selected plants and personalized technical support . Buying Mirabelle de Metz plum plants from a professional guarantees optimized production and a high-performance orchard .
Presentation of the Mirabelle de Metz Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is an ancient and emblematic variety, particularly cultivated in the east of France , notably in Lorraine, Haute-Saône and Alsace , where it benefits from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under the name Mirabelle de Lorraine . Appreciated for its small, golden, sweet fruits, this plum tree is a preferred choice for fresh consumption, pastries, jams and brandy distillation . Its adaptation to continental climates and its resistance to diseases make it an interesting option for producers looking to diversify their orchard.
Origin and Climate Adaptation
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree originates from the Middle East and was introduced to Europe, where it has been cultivated for several centuries. In France , it has particularly developed in Lorraine and Alsace , regions whose climatic conditions are ideal for this variety.
This hardy tree can withstand temperatures down to -20°C , making it an excellent choice for continental climates with harsh winters . It thrives in rich, cool, deep soils , but avoids calcareous soils . A sunny or partially shaded location, sheltered from the wind , is preferable to optimize its production.
Fruit Characteristics and Harvest
Mirabelle de Metz plums are small and oval , measuring less than 3 cm in diameter , slightly smaller than the Mirabelle de Nancy. Their golden yellow skin is often speckled with red on the side exposed to the sun. Their fine, juicy and sweet flesh develops aromas of honey , which gives them a characteristic flavor that is highly sought after.
Harvesting begins in mid-August and continues until September , depending on weather conditions. When the fruit is ripe , its stone is easily detached from the flesh, making it easy to use for processing. This variety is particularly popular for jams, compotes, pies and distillation , producing a high-quality mirabelle brandy .
Production begins 3 to 5 years after planting , a relatively quick time for a plum tree, and then offers regular yields .
Pollination and Yield
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is not completely self-fertile and its production is optimized when planted near compatible pollinating varieties. Reine-Claude Dorée, Reine-Claude d'Althan and Reine-Claude d'Oullins are particularly recommended to ensure better fertilization and increase productivity .
Its yield is high , with many small plums produced each year. To maintain abundant and quality fruiting, it is essential to ensure annual pruning and good maintenance of the orchard.
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is renowned for its good resistance to diseases and pests , making it a variety suited to sustainable cultivation practices. However, like all plum trees, it can be subject to certain common pathologies:
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Moniliosis (fruit rot), which can be limited by removing infected fruit and promoting aeration of the branches through appropriate pruning.
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Shot hole , which can be avoided thanks to preventive treatments based on Bordeaux mixture.
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Aphid and codling moth attacks , against which pheromone traps or biological treatments can be used.
Regular monitoring helps anticipate these problems and guarantee healthy and abundant production.
Rootstocks and Crop Management
The development and vigor of the Mirabelle de Metz plum tree varies depending on the rootstock used . Recommended options include:
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Myrobalan : gives great vigor , ideal for heavy soils.
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Saint-Julien A : medium vigor, suitable for light to medium soils.
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Plum Franc : promotes strong growth , suitable for traditional orchards.
The tree generally reaches a height of 3 to 5 meters , with a spreading habit, facilitating harvesting. It can be trained as a half-stem (3-4 m) or a goblet (2.5-3 m) .
Orchard Maintenance and Management
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is an easy-care tree , well-adapted to the continental climate . Light annual pruning is necessary to maintain a balanced structure and promote production . It is recommended to remove dead wood at the end of winter and to ventilate the interior of the tree to limit the risk of fungal diseases.
Applying potash-rich wood ash in winter can improve fruiting. Watering is not strictly necessary for mature trees, but additional water can be helpful during drought , especially for young plants.
Well-drained soil is recommended to avoid any risk of root asphyxiation, although the variety is able to adapt to slightly heavy conditions.
Commercial Valuation
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree offers several commercial outlets thanks to the taste quality and versatility of its fruit. Its harvest in August-September makes it a strategic variety for extending the plum season and meeting a growing demand for local and artisanal products.
Its main outlets are:
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Fresh market : highlighting its sweet and fragrant flavor.
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Processing : used in jams, compotes, pies and artisanal pastries .
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Distillation : produces a highly sought-after mirabelle plum brandy , particularly in Lorraine.
Its longevity (15 to 30 years, or even more for certain well-maintained subjects) allows producers to amortize their investment over a long period.
Production Strategies and Recommendations
To take full advantage of the potential of the Mirabelle de Metz plum tree, several strategies can be implemented:
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Plant suitable pollinators nearby to ensure consistent production.
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Monitor the appearance of diseases and parasites by practicing preventive cultural management (pruning, elimination of diseased fruits, biological control).
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Choose an appropriate rootstock based on the soil and local conditions to ensure good adaptation.
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Optimize fertilization with a potash supplement to stimulate fruiting.
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Focus on processing by promoting fruits in the form of processed products or brandy , to meet the expectations of consumers looking for local products.
Conclusion
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is an old and traditional variety , perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of eastern France. Thanks to its good hardiness, its excellent taste quality and its resistance to diseases , it constitutes a strategic choice for producers seeking to diversify their fruit production.
Its late harvest, its high demand on the fresh market and its added value in processing make it an interesting variety to integrate into an orchard. By adopting optimized cultural management , apple growers will be able to fully exploit its potential and ensure stable and profitable production over the long term.
To summarize: Plum tree Mirabelle de Metz
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is a traditional, high-value variety , appreciated for its sweet flavor, honey aroma, and versatility in processing . Its adaptability to cold climates , good disease resistance , and its Mirabelle de Lorraine PGI make it a strategic choice for producers looking to diversify their offerings .
Although partially self-fertile , it is best to combine it with pollinating varieties such as Reine-Claude Dorée or Reine-Claude d'Oullins to ensure abundant fruiting . It thrives in well-drained soils , with sunny exposure and requires regular maintenance pruning to maximize its production.
Its small, golden, sweet mirabelles are ideal for:
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The fresh market , because of their unique flavor and attractive appearance.
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Artisanal processing , particularly for jams, compotes and pastries .
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The distillation of brandy , where they are particularly sought after.
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The food industry , thanks to their high sugar content and excellent cooking properties.
Late harvesting in August-September helps to optimize profitability and extend the plum season .
The Mirabelle de Metz plum tree is naturally resistant to diseases , but preventive monitoring against brown rot and aphids is recommended to preserve the quality of production .
The choice of rootstock directly influences the vigor and adaptability of the tree . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , offers options adapted to the needs of producers :
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Myrobalan , for strong vigor and adaptation to heavy soils .
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Saint-Julien A , for balanced development and stable production .
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Plum tree , ideal for open-air planting and traditional orchards .
With its multiple commercial outlets and its added value in processing , the Metz Mirabelle Plum represents a profitable investment for producers .
At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we support French apple growers with rigorously selected plants and personalized technical support .
Buying Mirabelle de Metz plum trees from an expert guarantees controlled production, optimized profitability and high-performance cultivation , with a trusted partner for a productive and sustainable orchard .
