Technical sheet of the Stanley Plum variety
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Fruit flesh color: Yellow-green, firm and juicy
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Skin color: Blue-black covered with a thin layer of bloom
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Size and Shape: Medium to large, ovoid in shape
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Fruit maturity: Late summer or early fall
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Fruit taste: Sweet and slightly tangy
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Fruiting period: Late summer or early fall
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Disease resistance and conservation: Hardy and resistant, but susceptible to black bead.
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Variety yield: Abundant
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Is this variety self-fertile? Self-fertile, but cross-pollination can improve yield.
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Commercial use: Fresh produce, jams, desserts, prunes
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Is this a COV variety? No
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Comments: Native to the United States (Cornell University, New York, 1926). Adapted to the north of the Loire and to medium-altitude areas. Appreciates bright exposure, even windy. Ideal for making prunes, dried plums, jars, cakes and freezing. The rootstocks recommended for cultivation in France are Myrobalan (heavy soils), St. Julien A (normal soils) and St. Julien Inra II (dry soils).
Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Stanley
The Stanley Plum (Prunus domestica 'Stanley') is a variety native to the United States, developed in 1926 by Cornell University in New York. It quickly established itself as a benchmark in fruit production thanks to its hardiness, high yield and versatility . In France, it is particularly appreciated for its ability to adapt to temperate climates and varied soils , which makes it an excellent choice for apple and plum growers .
This 4-6 meter tall tree has good cold resistance (down to -29°C) and early flowering in March-April , favoring a staggered harvest from mid-August to mid-September . It is self-fertile , meaning it can produce without the presence of other pollinating plum trees, although planting compatible varieties such as President or Victoria can further improve yield.
At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum trees , we offer selected Stanley Plum trees , adapted to the requirements of French producers . Buying Stanley Plum trees from an expert guarantees successful cultivation and personalized technical support .
Stanley Plum fruits are medium to large in size , with pruinose blue-black skin and sweet, juicy yellow-green flesh . Their versatility allows for several uses:
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Consume fresh , thanks to their firmness and balanced taste.
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Processing into prunes , as this variety is ideal for drying.
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Jams, compotes and pastries , where their high sugar content is an advantage.
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Freezing , for long-term storage.
As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum trees , Arboriverse supports producers by offering them robust plants adapted to French soils . Buying Stanley plum trees from a specialist guarantees a productive and profitable orchard , with an average yield of up to 120 kg per adult tree .
Introducing the Stanley Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France
The Stanley Plum ( Prunus domestica 'Stanley' ) is a variety originating from the United States , developed by Cornell University in New York in 1926. It is appreciated for its hardiness, its resistance to diseases , and the quality of its fruits, which are suitable both for fresh consumption and for processing into prunes . Its ability to adapt to different types of soil and climates makes it a particularly interesting variety for French producers, especially in mid-altitude areas and north of the Loire .
Origin and History
The Stanley Plum is the result of a breeding program conducted in the United States to obtain a resistant and productive plum tree. Developed in 1926 by Cornell University in New York , it quickly established itself as one of the most popular varieties in North America before being introduced to Europe. In France, it is cultivated for its high yields and versatility .
Tree Characteristics
The Stanley Plum tree is of medium vigor , generally reaching 4 to 6 meters in height , with a width that can exceed 4 meters . It has an upright and branched habit , requiring little staking, but requiring regular pruning to maintain a good structure and promote the fruit's exposure to the sun.
Its flowering begins between late March and early April , producing white or pinkish flowers , very attractive to pollinators. Its self-fertility makes it an asset for growers, although cross-pollination with other varieties can further improve yield.
Growing Conditions
The Stanley Plum is a hardy tree, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -29°C . It is particularly suited to mid-altitude areas and temperate climates . It appreciates bright exposure , even in windy conditions.
It thrives on rich, well-drained, clay-loam soils , but can also tolerate calcareous soils . However, it is important to avoid soils with stagnant moisture to limit the risk of root asphyxiation.
In terms of drought resistance , the Stanley Plum is tolerant once well established , but it benefits from moderate watering during the growing and fruiting periods to optimize fruit quality.
Pollination and Varietal Compatibility
The Stanley Plum tree is self-fertile , meaning it can fruit without the presence of other plum trees. However, cross-pollination with other compatible varieties such as President or Victoria can improve fruit production and size.
It is also recommended to encourage the presence of natural pollinators by planting honey-producing flowers such as marigolds, cosmos or daisies nearby.
Fruit Quality and Uses
Stanley plums are medium to large in size , oval or oblong in shape , with blue-black skin covered with a fine whitish bloom . Their flesh is yellow-green, firm and juicy , with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
These plums are particularly versatile and can be used for:
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Fresh consumption , thanks to their firm texture and sweet taste
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Processing into prunes , one of the main uses of this variety
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Jams, compotes, pastries , where their natural sweetness is an asset
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Freezing , by cutting the fruit in half and removing the stone before storage
Harvest Period and Yield
The Stanley Plum tree begins to produce fruit 3 to 5 years after planting . Its harvest takes place from mid-August to mid-September , which makes it a relatively late variety.
Its yield varies between 20 and 120 kg per adult tree , depending on the growing conditions and pruning techniques used.
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Stanley Plum tree is hardy and resistant to many common diseases , including brown rot . However, it can be susceptible to black canker , which requires monitoring and preventive pruning if infected spots appear.
No specific mention has been found regarding its resistance to pests , although integrated management including biological treatments may be beneficial in maintaining a healthy orchard.
Maintenance and Size
Maintaining the Stanley Plum Tree is relatively easy , but a few steps are essential to ensure optimal production:
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Gentle pruning after harvesting (September to November) , to favor the best branches and eliminate dead branches
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Amend the soil with compost or manure at planting to stimulate growth
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Preventive treatment with Bordeaux mixture at budding, in order to limit the risks of cryptogamic diseases
Its longevity is estimated between 15 and 30 years , depending on cultural management and growing conditions.
Recommended Rootstocks
The choice of rootstock influences the vigor and adaptation to the soil of the Stanley Plum. Several options are available in France:
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Myrobalan : Suitable for heavy soils , provides strong vigor
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Saint Julien A : Ideal for normal soils , produces a medium-sized tree
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Saint Julien Inra II : Adapted to dry soils , allows for more compact and easy to manage development.
Business Outlook and Opportunities
The Stanley Plum is a very profitable variety, especially for producers wishing to diversify their offering with a plum suitable for processing into prunes . Its high yield, disease resistance and ease of cultivation make it a strategic choice for large-scale production .
The main business opportunities include:
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Fresh fruit markets , due to the popularity of Stanley plums for direct consumption
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Prune processing , a stable market in France and Europe
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Food industry , particularly for the production of compotes, juices and jams
Grants and Subsidies
In France, the cultivation of the Stanley Plum tree can benefit from specific aid within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) , in particular for the development of organic or low-input orchards .
Producers are advised to check with regional agricultural organizations to find out about available subsidies.
Conclusion
The Stanley Plum is a variety suited to the needs of professional growers , thanks to its ease of cultivation, disease resistance, and the quality of its fruit . Its high yield and versatility make it a profitable choice for French farms.
To maximize its potential, it is recommended to choose the appropriate rootstock , to favor regular pruning , and to optimize production through rational management of pollination and irrigation .
A more in-depth analysis of production costs, commercial outlets and available aid would make it possible to further optimize the profitability of this crop in France.
To summarize: Plum Stanley
The Stanley Plum is a strategic choice for French producers , offering excellent productivity and high profitability . Its resistance to diseases, its early flowering and its adaptation to temperate climates make it a reliable and efficient plum tree for farms .
This self-fertile variety can be grown alone, but its production is optimized with pollinating varieties such as Président or Victoria . It thrives in rich, well-drained, clay-loam soils , although it also tolerates calcareous soils if stagnant moisture is avoided. Its resistance to cold (-29°C) allows it to be planted in areas of medium altitude or north of the Loire .
Stanley plums are ideal for:
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Eating them fresh , thanks to their firmness and sweet flavor.
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The transformation into prunes , making this variety a reference in the sector.
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Jams, compotes and desserts , where their juicy flesh is very popular.
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Freezing , facilitating long-term conservation.
The Stanley Plum is a long-lived variety, capable of producing for up to 30 years with good maintenance . It benefits from a stable and high yield (up to 120 kg per adult tree ), while requiring little maintenance apart from light pruning after harvest and annual fertilization .
At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we select plants adapted to the requirements of French arboriculturists , with a choice of optimized rootstocks :
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Prunus Myrobalan , for heavy and humid soils.
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Saint Julien A , for normal conditions and balanced development.
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Saint Julien Inra II , for dry soils and more compact orchards.
Buying Stanley plum plants from Arboriverse guarantees successful planting and optimal production , while benefiting from expert advice on orchard management. With our expertise, we support French producers in optimizing their plantations, offering them robust and high-performance plants .
Choosing Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , means choosing a trusted partner for sustainable and profitable production .
