Cambridge Gage

Probably a seedling or close relative of Green Gage, although the parentage has not been proven.

Cambridge Greengage|Cambridge

Vigorous, forming a substantial gage tree. More reliably productive than many traditional greengages but performs best in a warm, sheltered position.

‘Bleue de Belgique’ is an old variety traditionally grown in Belgium and northern France, valued for its hardiness and abundant crops.

The medium to large plum is oval, almost round and sometimes slightly irregular. Its thin skin turns dark bluish purple when ripe and is covered with a heavy pale bloom.

The greenish-yellow flesh is initially firm, becoming melting, exceptionally juicy and pleasantly aromatic. Its flavour is richly sweet, balanced by a light acidity that provides freshness. The stone generally separates well when the fruit is fully ripe.

Harvest takes place mainly around mid-August and may continue over several weeks depending on the climate and exposure. The fruit has a short storage life and should be eaten or processed soon after picking.

‘Bleue de Belgique’ is a good dessert plum and is also very well suited to tarts, compotes, jams, preserves and fruit brandies.

The tree is vigorous and hardy, begins cropping fairly quickly and is generally highly productive. It initially forms a fairly upright crown, becoming more spreading with age. As heavily laden branches can become brittle, balanced pruning and occasional fruit thinning help reduce the risk of breakage.

The variety is partially self-fertile and produces good-quality pollen. It can crop alone, although another European plum flowering at the same time will generally improve fruit set and the abundance of the harvest.

Bleue de Belgique – Old Belgian blue plum