Reine Claude Doree is a traditional French gage, very similar to Old Green Gage. Indeed it is probably the ancestor of all the green gages, although when ripe Reine Claude Doree takes on an attractive green-golden hue which is only occasionally apparent in the English green gages.
The flavour is generally regarded as amongst the best of all plums and gages.
Next deliveries: December 2023 - February 2024.
Reine Claude Doree is generally easy to grow, particularly compared to other gages. It is quite a vigorous tree, with a somewhat vertical habit until fruiting starts (when the weight of fruit naturally pulls down the branches).
It is heavier-cropping than most gages, and can lapse into biennial bearing (fruiting in alternate years) if allowed to over-crop. Thinning of the fruitlets in June reduces this tendency, although thinning plum fruitlets by hand is a tedious job. However it also improves fruit size and quality.