Plum tree Belle de Louvain conventional bare-root distaff

Technical sheet of the Belle de Louvain plum variety

• Fruit flesh color: Juicy and fairly firm.
• Skin color: Dark purple, with an elongated, oval shape.
• Size and shape: Elongated and oval shape.
• Tree size: Small, spreading tree, 4 to 5 m high and about 4 m wide.
• Fruit maturity: Around mid-August.
• Fruit Taste: Sweet and savory, with a light fragrance. Sweet and tangy flavor. Too dry and sour to eat fresh, but excellent for making jams and pies.
• Earliness of the variety: Relatively late compared to other plum varieties.
• Fruiting period: Mainly in August, with harvest possible from mid to late August.
• Disease Resistance and Storage: Disease resistant, suitable for all gardeners, from beginners to experienced growers. May be susceptible to some fungal diseases such as brown rot and shot hole.
• Variety yield: High productivity.
• Is this variety self-fertile? Self-fertile, but pollination will be better if another variety is planted nearby. Requires a pollinator like Plum d'Ente or Stanley to reproduce properly.
• Commercial Use: Perfect for cooking, it can be eaten directly, incorporated into pies, jams, compotes, and even used to make prune wine.
• Comments: Originally from Belgium, found in Louvain in 1945. Very frost resistant and can be planted at high altitudes.

Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Belle de Louvain

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is an old and rustic variety , originally from Belgium , known for its robustness, its regular productivity and the imposing size of its fruits . Thanks to its resistance to cold and diseases , this variety is ideal for French producers looking for an easy-to-grow plum tree, suitable for regions prone to spring frosts .

This medium to large tree is vigorous and well adapted to temperate climates . It tolerates temperatures down to -23°C and thrives in well-drained, neutral or slightly calcareous soils . Its optimal exposure is full sun , although it tolerates moderately dry conditions.

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum trees , we select Belle de Louvain plum trees adapted to the needs of French apple growers . Buying Belle de Louvain plum trees from a specialist guarantees successful planting and stable production .

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is self-fertile , but cross-pollination with varieties such as Prune d'Ente, Opal or Stanley further improves fruiting and yield .

The fruits of the Belle de Louvain plum tree are large , elongated and purple to purple-red when ripe , with firm, fragrant greenish-yellow flesh . They are perfect for:

• Consume fresh , with a pleasant texture and balanced flavor.
• Jams and compotes , thanks to their firm and juicy flesh.
• Pastries and pies , where their shape is ideal for baking.
• Production of prune wine , offering an original commercial outlet.

Harvesting takes place between mid-August and late August , providing an ideal window for late summer marketing .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse supports French producers by providing them with rigorously selected plants and expert advice . Buying Belle de Louvain plum plants from a professional guarantees optimized production and a profitable orchard .

Presentation of the Belle de Louvain Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is an old variety originating from Belgium , discovered in Louvain in 1845. Known for its robustness, regular productivity and large fruit , this variety is prized both for fresh consumption and for processing into jams, compotes and pastries. Thanks to its resistance to disease and cold, it adapts well to regions prone to spring frosts, making it an attractive option for professional growers.

Origin and Climate Adaptation

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is a vigorous and rustic variety, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -23°C . It adapts to well-drained soils , whether neutral or slightly calcareous , and prefers a sunny exposure to ensure optimal production. Its development is favored in moderately dry conditions, although regular watering is recommended in summer to guarantee the quality of the fruit.

This late-flowering variety (April-May) limits the risk of damage due to spring frosts, a major advantage for crops at high altitudes or in regions with harsh winters.

Fruit Characteristics and Harvest

Belle de Louvain plums are recognizable by their large size , their elongated and oval shape , and their purple color evolving towards purple-red when ripe . Their greenish-yellow flesh is firm, which makes them suitable for various culinary uses.

Harvesting takes place between mid-August and the end of August , offering an interesting production window for late summer markets. These fruits are particularly appreciated for:

• Fresh consumption, thanks to their balanced flavor.
• Processing into pies, cakes, jams and compotes , for which their firm texture is ideal.
• The production of prune wine , a more specific use but which can constitute an original commercial outlet.

Pollination and Yield

Although the Belle de Louvain plum tree is self-fertile , cross-pollination with varieties such as Prune d'Ente, Opal or Stanley significantly improves fruiting and consistency of production. This variety is known for its high productivity , offering consistent yields from year to year.

The introduction of beehives nearby or the presence of honey-producing hedges can also increase pollination efficiency and optimize production.

Resistance to Diseases and Parasites

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is resistant to the main plum tree diseases , although it can be sensitive to certain cryptogamic diseases such as:

• Brown rot , which causes fruit rot and can be limited by aeration pruning and the preventative application of copper-based fungicides.
• Shot hole , a fungal disease affecting foliage, which can be prevented by appropriate treatments.

Regarding pests, aphids and mealybugs can occasionally pose a problem. Regular monitoring and the application of biological or specific treatments can effectively control these pests.

Rootstocks and Crop Management

The choice of rootstock directly influences the vigor, resistance and productivity of the Belle de Louvain plum tree. Recommended options include:

• Myrobalan : suitable for heavy soils , gives great vigor .
• Saint Julien A : suitable for light to medium soils , medium vigor.
• Saint Julien Inra II : preferable for heavy to medium soils , reduced vigor.
• Plum Franc : for open-air plantings, very vigorous.
• Jaspi : rootstock with medium to low vigor, promoting rapid fruit set and good productivity.
• Wild Plum : interesting for specific local conditions, particularly in open-air orchards .

Orchard Maintenance and Management

Annual pruning is essential to optimize fruiting and ensure good aeration of the foliage. Formative pruning is recommended in the first few years, followed by maintenance pruning every 2 to 3 years .

Irrigation is especially important during drought, although this variety tolerates moderately dry conditions relatively well. Adding mulch around the base of the trees helps retain soil moisture and limit competition with weeds.

Protection against rodents (rabbits, voles) is recommended, especially in winter, to avoid damage to young trees.

Commercial Valuation

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is distinguished by its culinary versatility , which opens up several opportunities for producers looking to diversify their outlets. Its harvest in August makes it possible to target different markets:

• Fresh consumption market : highlighting its firm flesh and natural sweetness.
• Artisanal and industrial processing : recovery for jams, compotes and pastries .
• Prune wine production : an interesting niche for producers wishing to explore derivative products.

Its good post-harvest preservation also allows flexible marketing management.

Production Strategies and Recommendations

To maximize the profitability of this crop, several strategic aspects must be taken into account:

• Choice of rootstock according to local conditions to ensure good tree development and optimized production.
• Pollination planning by integrating compatible varieties and promoting the presence of pollinating insects.
• Health monitoring to prevent fungal diseases and pest attacks, by adopting appropriate cultural practices.
• Adaptation to the climate by taking into account its resistance to frost and optimizing the location according to altitude and exposure to wind.
• Commercial promotion by communicating the culinary versatility of the fruit and its ease of cultivation , major assets for the plum market.

Conclusion

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is a robust and productive variety , well adapted to the climatic conditions of many French regions. Its resistance to cold, late flowering and regular productivity make it an ideal option for producers wishing to cultivate a large-sized, high-quality plum.

Its ease of maintenance and good disease resistance reduce cultivation constraints, while its multiple commercial outlets offer good profitability to professionals. By adopting rigorous cultural management , particularly in terms of pollination, irrigation and health protection , apple growers will be able to fully benefit from the potential of this variety.

To summarize: Plum tree Belle de Louvain

The Belle de Louvain plum tree is a robust and highly productive variety , perfect for French growers wishing to cultivate a large, disease- and cold-resistant plum . Its adaptability to temperate climates and well-drained soils makes it a reliable and profitable choice.

Although self-fertile , it is advisable to combine other pollinating varieties such as Prune d'Ente or Stanley to optimize production . It tolerates cold down to -23°C and its late flowering (April-May) limits the risks associated with spring frosts .

Its large, firm-fleshed fruits are ideal for:

• Eating fresh , with juicy and sweet flesh.
• Processing into jams, compotes and pastries , with excellent shelf life.
• Prune wine production , an interesting commercial niche.
• Extended conservation , facilitating marketing management.

Harvesting in August offers good profitability , and the variety has natural resistance to common plum diseases , although preventative treatments against brown rot and shot hole may be necessary.

The choice of rootstock directly influences the vigor and adaptability of the plum tree . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , offers optimized options :

• Myrobalan , for strong vigor and adaptation to heavy soils .
• Saint Julien A , for balanced development and stable production .
• Plum Franc , ideal for outdoor planting .

Thanks to its culinary versatility and varied outlets , the Plum Belle de Louvain is a profitable choice for producers looking to diversify their commercial offering .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we support French apple growers with rigorously selected plants and personalized technical monitoring .

Buying Belle de Louvain plum trees from a specialist guarantees controlled production, optimized profitability and high-performance cultivation , with a trusted partner for a productive and sustainable orchard .