Understanding the Gage Plum
Gage plums, or greengages, are a specific group of European plums ($Prunus domestica$) known for their superior flavor, which is often described as rich, sugary, and incredibly juicy. While the traditional greengage is a muted green, varieties now exist in shades of yellow, gold, and red. Historically cultivated in France and Italy, these plums are a coveted dessert fruit for eating fresh, but many are also excellent for cooking and preserving. The superior sugar content (Brix) of true greengages can be exceptionally high, far surpassing many other plum varieties.
Top Contenders for the Best Gage Plums
The title of 'best' is subjective and depends on factors like climate, flavor preference, and intended use. Here are some of the most highly regarded gage plum varieties:
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Old Greengage (syn. Reine Claude): Often considered the gold standard for flavor, this is the classic, definitive gage.
- Flavor Profile: Exceptionally rich, sugary, and honeyed.
- Best For: Eating fresh, where its sublime flavor can be fully appreciated.
- Consideration: It can be a light or unreliable cropper, and requires a sunny, sheltered position, especially in cooler climates.
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Cambridge Gage: A highly reliable and heavy-cropping variety that is a seedling of the Old Greengage.
- Flavor Profile: Deliciously sweet and juicy with a distinct honey-like flavor, very similar to its parent.
- Best For: Fresh eating and jam-making, offering the exceptional taste of a greengage with more consistent yields.
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Oullins Golden Gage: This traditional French gage stands out for its vigor, reliability, and dual-purpose nature.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, moderately sweet flavor with a hint of orange.
- Best For: Eating fresh, jam, bottling, and freezing. Its self-fertile nature makes it a great choice for single-tree gardens.
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Early Transparent Gage: A traditional English variety known for its large, sweet, and juicy fruit with a semi-translucent skin.
- Flavor Profile: Very sweet and juicy with beautiful color.
- Best For: Eating fresh or making excellent jam. It is also self-fertile and popular.
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Bavay's Green Gage (syn. Reine Claude de Bavay): A late-ripening, high-quality gage with rich, meaty flesh and candy-like sweetness.
- Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet with a smooth, meaty texture.
- Best For: Eating fresh, canning, and preserving. It is self-fertile and a heavy cropper.
Comparison Table: Best Gage Plums at a Glance
| Variety | Flavor Profile | Main Use | Cropping | Self-Fertile? | Skin Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Greengage | Incredibly rich, sweet, honeyed | Fresh Eating | Light/Uncertain | Partially | Dull Green | The classic, but less reliable. |
| Cambridge Gage | Sweet, juicy, honey-like | Fresh/Jam | Reliable/Heavy | Partially | Green | Consistently high quality and good yields. |
| Oullins Golden Gage | Rich, moderately sweet, orange notes | Dual-Purpose | Reliable/Heavy | Yes | Golden Yellow | Excellent all-rounder, vigorous tree. |
| Early Transparent Gage | Very sweet, juicy | Fresh/Jam | Popular | Yes | Translucent Yellow | Good for jams, good yields. |
| Bavay's Green Gage | Rich, candy-like sweetness | Fresh/Canning | Reliable/Heavy | Yes | Green/Yellow | Excellent late-season choice. |
Cultivation Tips for a Successful Gage Crop
Gage plum trees require a bit more care than standard plums to produce their best fruit. By providing the right conditions, you can significantly improve your chances of a heavy, high-quality harvest.
- Site Selection: Choose a warm, sunny, and sheltered location. Protection from cold winds and late spring frosts is crucial, as gags flower relatively early. A south-facing wall is an ideal spot for training a fan-shaped tree.
- Soil and Drainage: Gages thrive in fertile, well-draining soil that holds moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Adding well-rotted organic matter, such as compost, at planting and as an annual mulch will help.
- Pollination: While some varieties like 'Oullins Golden Gage' and 'Bavay's Green Gage' are self-fertile, many gages benefit from a pollination partner to ensure a heavy crop. Check the specific requirements of your chosen variety and pair it with a compatible plum or gage.
- Pruning: Prune gage trees in the summer to avoid the risk of silver leaf disease. This helps maintain an open canopy for good airflow and sunlight penetration, which is vital for ripening fruit.
- Thinning the Fruit: Heavy cropping can lead to smaller, less flavorful fruit and potentially broken branches. In early summer, thin developing fruitlets to one every 5–8cm (2–3in) to encourage larger, sweeter plums.
- Watering: Consistent watering is important, especially during the first year and during dry spells when fruit is developing. Inconsistent watering can cause fruit to drop prematurely.
The Allure of the Gage Plum
Ultimately, the choice of the best gage plum comes down to your personal priorities. If you are a connoisseur seeking the absolute pinnacle of flavor and are willing to accept potentially smaller, less reliable yields, the 'Old Greengage' is unmatched. For gardeners who want a more dependable crop without sacrificing much flavor, the 'Cambridge Gage' or 'Bavay's Green Gage' are excellent options. The vigorous and self-fertile 'Oullins Golden Gage' is perfect for those who want an easy-to-grow, dual-purpose tree. No matter which variety you choose, the reward is a uniquely delicious fruit far superior to most supermarket offerings, making the effort of cultivation well worth it.
Conclusion
Choosing the best gage plums involves balancing legendary flavor with reliable cropping and ease of growth. From the heirloom delicacy of 'Old Greengage' to the dependable yields of 'Cambridge Gage' and the versatility of 'Oullins Golden Gage', there's a perfect variety for every gardener. Proper site selection, diligent care, and thoughtful pruning will unlock the full potential of these exceptional fruits, delivering a harvest of unmatched sweetness. Embracing one of these high-quality varieties guarantees a rewarding experience for any home orchard. For more detailed information on specific cultivation techniques, consult the Royal Horticultural Society's comprehensive guide on growing gages.
