Gage 'Reine Claude de Bavay'

This is one of the most reliable and late-fruiting gages for the UK. 'Reine Claude de Bavay' produces large, round-oval fruit that is yellowish-green with small white dots. The flesh is translucent, extremely juicy, and has the intense, honeyed sweetness that gages are famous for. It is ready for harvest in late September, extending the gage season. The tree is moderately vigorous and widely adaptable. Most importantly for many gardeners, it is self-fertile, though it will crop more heavily with a partner. It flowers in mid-spring with white blossoms. It is remarkably hardy (H6) but, as with all gages, the fruit develops the best sugar content in a sunny, warm position. It is excellent for dessert use and also makes superior preserves. A great choice for those who want gage quality with more reliability than the 'Old Greengage'.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.