Plant Plum Reine-Claude Bavay Cattail bare-root conventional

Technical sheet of the Plum tree variety Reine-Claude de Bavay

• Fruit flesh color: Yellow-green.
• Size and shape: Medium size 45-50 mm, round and slightly asymmetrical.
• Fruit maturity: From late August to early September.
• Fruit taste: Very sweet, fragrant, with firm and juicy (melting) flesh.
• Earliness of the variety: Semi-early to early.
• Disease resistance and storage: Good disease resistance. Fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature.
• Variety yield: Very productive and vigorous, offering rapid and regular fruit set.
• Is this variety self-fertile? Self-fertile. The presence of another variety such as Reine Claude d'Oullins can improve fruiting. However, Reine Claude de Bavay is a good pollinator for other varieties.
• Commercial use: Fresh, in fruit salads, or simply at the base of the tree. Excellent for jams and compotes, and can also be used for baking. Suitable for drying and preparing fruit in syrup.
• Is this a COV variety? No.
• Comments: Selected in 1843 in Mechelen, Belgium. Very hardy and adapts to various climates.

Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Reine-Claude de Bavay

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is an old and rustic variety, known for its high productivity, its great adaptability and the exceptional taste quality of its fruits . Selected in 1843 in Malines, Belgium , this plum is one of the most appreciated in France for fresh consumption and agri-food processing .

This plum tree is very cold-hardy , tolerating temperatures down to -20°C , making it an ideal choice for areas with harsh winters . It adapts well to rich, cool, well-drained soils , but avoids soils that are too chalky or too wet . A sunny exposure is recommended to ensure good fruiting and optimal fruit quality .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum trees , we offer Reine-Claude de Bavay plum trees selected for their vigor and productivity . Buying Reine-Claude de Bavay plum trees from an expert guarantees optimized cultivation and consistent yields .

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is self-fertile , but the presence of pollinators such as Reine-Claude d'Oullins or Mirabelle de Nancy can further improve yield . It begins to produce in the 4th or 5th year , reaching its optimal yield after about ten years .

Plums are medium to large in size, round, with a green-yellow skin lightly speckled with red . Their flesh is juicy, sweet and fragrant , ideal for:

• Fresh consumption , with a pleasant texture and a high sugar content.
• Transformation into jams, compotes and pies , thanks to its good sugar-acidity balance.
• Preserves and fruits in syrup , offering good conservation after picking.
• Short circuits and organic farming , where its hardiness and natural resistance to disease are assets.

The harvest takes place at the beginning of September , which positions this variety as a late-ripening plum , ideal for spreading the commercial supply and extending the plum season .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse supports French producers by providing them with quality plants and technical advice . Buying Reine-Claude de Bavay plum plants from a specialist guarantees profitable and sustainable production .

Presentation of the Reine-Claude de Bavay Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is an old variety, renowned for its high productivity, its hardiness and the exceptional taste quality of its fruits . Selected in 1843 in Malines, Belgium , by Major Esperen , this variety is dedicated to Mr. de Bavay , then director of the royal nurseries of Vilvordes in Brussels . It then spread widely in France and Europe , where it is appreciated for its adaptability and regularity of production .

Origin and Climate Adaptation

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is a traditional variety not protected by a Plant Variety Certificate (PVC) , which allows for wide distribution without production restrictions . Its success is based on its robustness and its ability to adapt to many climates , from temperate regions to cooler climates .

It grows best in rich, fresh, deep, well-drained soils , but also tolerates clay-loam soils , provided they are not too calcareous . Full sun exposure is recommended to promote fruiting and improve the taste quality of the fruit .

This plum tree is very hardy and can withstand temperatures below -20°C , making it an ideal option for areas with harsh winters . However, like many plum trees, it can be susceptible to late frosts , which can affect flowering and production.

Fruit Characteristics and Harvest

Plums from the Reine-Claude de Bavay are medium to large in size, round, with a green-yellow skin , sometimes slightly speckled with red from the sun. Their yellow-green flesh is firm, juicy and fragrant , with a sweet and slightly acidic flavor, offering a superior taste quality to that of other Reine-Claude varieties.

Harvesting takes place in early September , making it a late-ripening variety. The fruits are easily detached from the stone , making them easy to use in processing. Thanks to their good shelf life after picking , the plums can be stored for several days without affecting their quality .

Pollination and Yield

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is self-fertile , meaning it can fruit without requiring another pollinator. However, the presence of other varieties that flower simultaneously, such as Reine-Claude d'Oullins, Reine-Claude d'Althan or Mirabelle de Nancy , can improve yield and fruit quality .

Its productivity is high and regular , with rapid fruiting after planting. It generally begins to produce in the fourth or fifth year and reaches an optimal yield after about ten years .

Resistance to Diseases and Parasites

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is considered resistant to major plum diseases . However, it can be sensitive to humid conditions , which favor the appearance of brown rot , a fungal disease affecting the fruit. It is therefore essential to ensure good aeration of the foliage by practicing adequate pruning and removing any mummified fruit remaining on the tree after harvest.

In terms of pests, it is recommended to monitor aphids, codling moths and mites , which can affect production if the tree is not regularly maintained.

Rootstocks and Crop Management

The choice of rootstock is crucial to ensure good adaptation to the soil and optimal development of the Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree. The most commonly used rootstocks are:

• Saint-Julien A : medium vigor, suitable for light to medium soils .
• Myrobalan : gives great vigor , recommended for heavy soils and traditional orchards .
• Prunus Domestica : Promotes robust growth , good fruit set and offers resistance to soil-borne diseases .

The tree can reach a height of 4 to 6 meters at maturity and should be planted with sufficient spacing to ensure good air circulation and maximum sun exposure .

Orchard Maintenance and Management

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is a vigorous and easy-to-maintain tree, although it does require some essential cultivation steps to ensure optimal production :

• Annual pruning at the end of winter to encourage fruiting and avoid foliage congestion.
• Regular watering during dry periods , particularly during flowering and fruiting periods, to ensure good fruit growth .
• Moderate fertilization , with a supply of potash and magnesium , promoting the quality of the plums and resistance to disease.
• Protection against late frosts , which can affect flowering and fruit production.

Increased monitoring of weather and health conditions is recommended to prevent fungal diseases and insect attacks .

Commercial Valuation

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree offers several marketing opportunities thanks to its versatile and high-quality fruit. Its main markets are:

• Consume fresh , where its plums are very appreciated for their sweet and fragrant taste.
• Transformation into jams, compotes and pies , which highlights its sugar-acidity balance.
• Preserved in fruit in syrup , guaranteeing prolonged availability on the market.
• Valorization in short and organic circuits , because its hardiness and natural resistance to diseases make it a variety well suited to organic farming and direct sales .

Its September harvest schedule allows plum production to be staggered and supplements the supply of earlier varieties.

Production Strategies and Recommendations

To optimize the cultivation of the Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree, several strategic recommendations can be implemented:

• Pairing compatible pollinators to improve fruit production and quality.
• Optimize tree spacing to ensure maximum sunlight and good air circulation .
• Favor well-drained soils , avoiding areas that are too humid or chalky.
• Adapt pruning and maintenance according to production objectives (high-stem or low-stem orchard).
• Highlight its history and taste qualities in a differentiated marketing strategy, targeting both the fresh and processed markets.

Conclusion

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is a sure bet for plum growers , offering great hardiness, abundant production and high-quality fruit . Its self-fertility , good adaptation to temperate climates and resistance to disease make it an easy-to-grow and profitable variety.

By integrating appropriate crop management and exploiting the numerous commercial outlets , producers will be able to take full advantage of this traditional variety , which continues to appeal to both consumers and professionals in the sector.

To summarize: Plum tree Reine-Claude de Bavay

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is a hardy and productive variety , well suited to French orchards thanks to its resistance to low temperatures (-20°C) and its ability to produce fruit of high taste quality . It thrives in cool, drained soils , under sunny exposure , although it is sensitive to spring frosts .

Its self-fertility makes it easy to grow, but cross-pollination with Reine-Claude d'Oullins or Mirabelle de Nancy improves fruiting . Its productivity is high and regular , offering a stable yield from the 5th year .

Its sweet and juicy plums, medium to large in size , are used for:

• The fresh market , where they are highly prized for their texture and taste.
• Transformation into jams, compotes and pastries , thanks to their aromatic balance.
• Preserves and fruits in syrup , allowing sustainable recovery.
• Short circuits and organic farming , where this traditional variety is particularly suited.

Harvesting in September allows production to be spread out and the marketing of plums to be optimized over a longer period.

The Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree is resistant to common diseases , although brown rot and aphids require vigilance . Annual pruning and preventive health monitoring ensure a healthy and efficient crop .

The choice of rootstock is a key factor in ensuring good vigor and optimal adaptation to the soil . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , offers suitable options :

• Saint-Julien A , for controlled growth and good yield .
• Myrobalan , for strong vigor and good adaptation to heavy soils .
• Prunus Domestica , for robust growth and rapid fruiting .

Thanks to its multiple commercial outlets and its late harvest , the Reine-Claude de Bavay plum tree represents an excellent investment for producers .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we support French apple growers by offering them rigorously selected plants and personalized support .

Buying Reine-Claude de Bavay plum plants from a specialist guarantees optimized production, assured profitability and a productive orchard , with a trusted partner for sustainable and efficient cultivation .