Black Damassine Plum Plant Conventional bare-root scion

Technical sheet of the Plum variety Damassine Noire

• Fruit flesh color: Yellow
• Average fruit size: Medium to small
• Fruit shape: Round
• Fruit maturity: End of July
• Uses: Excellent for jams, drying, and making a good homemade schnapps. The Black Damassine Plum is often considered the flagship of still products in the canton of Jura. It is used for the production of a damassin brandy.
• Hardiness: Very vigorous and hardy. The Black Damassine Plum tree is adapted to various climates and soil types.
• Self-fertile: Yes
• Geographic Origin: Originally from the canton of Jura in Switzerland
• Useful comments: The plants are available at producer prices with fast and careful delivery throughout France.

Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Damassine Noire

The Black Damassine Plum is a traditional and rustic variety , mainly cultivated in Switzerland and Burgundy-Franche-Comté , renowned for the unique taste quality of its fruits and its use in distilling brandy . Its cultivation is aimed at producers seeking to diversify their offer with an authentic variety with high added value .

This medium to strong tree is well adapted to high altitude areas , but can be sensitive to spring frosts , requiring strategic choice of planting site . It thrives in deep, well-drained soils that are moderately tolerant of limestone , but is sensitive to drought , requiring careful irrigation management in summer .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we offer carefully selected Black Damassine Plum plants , guaranteeing optimal recovery and stable production . Buying Black Damassine Plum plants from a specialist allows for controlled cultivation and optimized profitability .

The Damassine Noire plum tree is self-sterile , requiring the presence of compatible pollinators such as Reine-Claude d'Oullins or Quetsche d'Alsace to ensure good fruiting . Its yield is generally high , although variable depending on climatic conditions .

Black Damassine plums are medium to small in size , dark red in color , with pale yellow-green flesh that is sweet and fragrant . They are particularly appreciated for:

• The distillation of eau-de-vie , an emblematic product benefiting from the AOP Damassine in Switzerland .
• Jams and tarts , thanks to their powerful aroma and their high sugar content.
• A rapid transformation , because they are not very suitable for long-term storage .

The harvest takes place between the end of July and the beginning of August , requiring rapid recovery after picking .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse supports French apple growers and producers by offering them plants adapted to local conditions and technical support . Buying Damassine Noire plum plants from a professional ensures profitable production and a high-performance orchard .

Presentation of the Black Damassine Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France

The Black Damassine Plum is a traditional variety native to Switzerland, particularly renowned for its organoleptic qualities and its use in distilling brandy. Its cultivation is mainly concentrated in the canton of Jura, but its adaptation to the climatic and soil conditions of certain French regions makes it a fruit tree of interest to producers looking to diversify their production.

Origin and Distribution

The Black Damassine Plum tree has its roots in French-speaking Switzerland , particularly in the canton of Jura, where it has been cultivated for several centuries. It is also present in certain border regions of France, particularly in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. This variety benefits from a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Switzerland for the distillation of the famous damassine brandy.

Botanical and Agronomic Characteristics

The Black Damassine Plum is a vigorous and hardy tree, well adapted to high altitude areas. However, it is sensitive to spring frosts , which can affect flowering and therefore fruit production.

Plums from this variety are:

• Small to medium size , with a diameter generally less than 2.5 cm.
• Round , with pale yellow-green flesh, offering a sweet and fragrant flavor.
• Late maturing , with harvest in late July - early August .
• Not very suitable for long-term storage , which encourages their rapid processing after picking.

The tree adapts well to deep, well-drained soils , moderately tolerant of limestone but showing sensitivity to drought . Its optimal development therefore requires rigorous management of irrigation in dry periods.

Pollination and Yield

The Black Damassine Plum is self-sterile , meaning that it requires the presence of other plum varieties to ensure effective pollination. Recommended pollinators include:

• Reine-Claude of Oullins
• Alsatian plum

Planting several compatible trees or promoting biodiversity in the orchard (presence of bees, hives, flowering hedges) considerably improves productivity. Its yield is generally high , although fluctuating depending on annual climatic conditions.

Susceptibility to Diseases and Parasites

Like many plum trees, the Black Damassine can be prone to several fungal diseases and parasites. The main threats include:

• Moniliosis (fruit rot), requiring good tree spacing and regular pruning to improve ventilation.
• Plum leaf curl , which can be reduced by preventive treatments using Bordeaux mixture.
• Aphids and codling moths , against which integrated control (trapping, introduction of auxiliaries) can be effective.

Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments help preserve the health of the trees and ensure stable production.

Use and Valorization

The Black Damassine plum is particularly prized for:

• The distillation of brandy , where it is used in the production of Damassine AOP , a prestigious product.
• The making of jams and tarts , thanks to its powerful aroma and its richness in sugar.
• Drying , although it is less suitable for this transformation due to its small size.

Due to its poor preservation in the fresh state, rapid recovery of the fruit after harvest is essential.

Culture and Maintenance

The Damassine Noire plum tree requires appropriate cultural management to maximize its production:

• Watering : Although hardy, it is sensitive to drought and must be watered in summer.
• Pruning : Training pruning is necessary during the first 10 years , followed by maintenance pruning every 2 to 3 years .
• Rodent control : The installation of protection at the foot of trees (nets, traps) is recommended to limit damage to young plantations.

Rootstocks should be selected according to local soil and climate conditions. Suitable varieties are available from specialist nurseries.

Production Strategies and Recommendations

To optimize the profitability of this crop, several points must be taken into account:

• Choice of location : favor well-drained soils and avoid areas with a high risk of spring frost.
• Pollination management : plant compatible varieties nearby and encourage the presence of pollinating insects.
• Disease and pest prevention : Monitor for early infections and adopt natural protection methods where possible.
• Commercial promotion : take advantage of the prestige of Damassine AOP to highlight the origin and quality of the product.

Conclusion

The Black Damassine Plum is an authentic and high-quality variety, offering strong potential for producers seeking to diversify their offering by favoring local products with high added value. Its adaptation to temperate climates and its use in artisanal processing (distillation, jams) make it a strategic crop provided that the constraints are controlled: water management, pollination and disease control.

The integration of this variety into a professional or heritage orchard is a promising approach for producers keen to preserve a fruit-growing tradition while meeting the expectations of consumers looking for authentic products.

To summarize: Plum Tree Damassine Noire

The Black Damassine Plum is an authentic and heritage variety , cultivated for centuries for the production of brandy and artisanal processing . Its unique flavor and its geographical origin valued by the Swiss PDO make it a strategic option for producers looking for a differentiating variety with high added value .

Its adaptability to temperate and mid-altitude climates makes it a good choice for diversified orchards , provided its sensitivity to spring frosts is managed. It is self-sterile , requiring compatible pollinators such as Reine-Claude d'Oullins or Quetsche d'Alsace to ensure regular production .

Its small fruits with a powerful aroma are mainly intended for:

• Distillation of eau-de-vie , benefiting from AOP recognition in Switzerland.
• Homemade jams and pastries , for their high sugar content.
• Local consumption , with rapid marketing after harvest.

The late harvest (end of July - beginning of August) and the need for rapid processing require well-organized logistics to avoid losses.

The Black Damassine Plum tree has good resistance to diseases , but can be subject to brown rot and aphids , requiring preventive management by aeration pruning and biological treatments .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse offers a rigorous selection of Black Damassine plants , with suitable rootstocks :

• Myrobalan , for adaptation to heavy soils .
• Saint Julien A , ideal for draining and calcareous soils .
• Plum Franc , for vigorous growth in open air .

Thanks to its strong commercial potential , particularly in the spirits and artisanal processing market , the Black Damassine Plum represents an opportunity for producers looking for a profitable and differentiating crop .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we support French apple growers by providing them with high-performance plants and suitable technical advice .

Buying Damassine Noire plum plants from an expert guarantees controlled production, optimized cultivation and assured profitability , with a trusted partner for a sustainable and productive orchard .