Reine Claude Conducta Plum Trees: A Guide for Home Gardeners
Introduction
If you’re a fan of plums, then growing Reine Claude Conducta plum trees should definitely be on your radar. These unique Greengage plums produce high-quality fruit with a flavor and texture that’s unlike any other variety.
Reine Claude Conducta Information
The Reine Claude Conducta plum belongs to the Green gage group of plum cultivars, which were introduced to France from Armenia about 500 years ago. Green gage plums are known for their unique flavors and very high-quality flesh. Many Green gage varieties are green to yellow in color, but Reine Claude Conducta plums have skin that is pink to purple in color. The flavor is very sweet, and the flesh is crisper than most other types of plum. Its flavor and coloring are both unique, different from other plums, and of the highest quality. However, Reine Claude Conducta trees do not produce heavily and may be susceptible to some pests and diseases.
How to Grow Reine Claude Conducta Plum Trees
Growing Reine Claude Conducta trees is most successful in zones 5 through 9. They require full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The flowers will bloom on the trees in mid-spring and are white and abundant. Watering requirements for these plum trees are normal compared to other fruit trees. You should water your new tree regularly for the first season. Once established, it will only need watering when rainfall is less than one inch (2.5 cm.) per week or ten days. Pruning early to encourage good growth is also important.
Pollination
Reine Claude Conducta is not a self-pollinating tree, so in order to set fruit, you will need another plum variety in the area. Good varieties for pollinating Reine Claude Conducta are Stanley, Monsieur Hatif, and Royale de Montauban.
Pests and Diseases
Some pests and diseases that you should watch out for when growing this Green gage variety of plum include:
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Peach borers
- Brown rot
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
Harvesting
Your Reine Claude Conducta plums should be ripe and ready to pick between late June and August.
Additional Tips
- Choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the nursery container.
- Water the tree deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the tree regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage good growth.
- Protect the tree from pests and diseases by using organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
With a little care and attention, you can grow a healthy and productive Reine Claude Conducta plum tree in your home garden. Enjoy the unique flavor and beauty of these delicious plums for years to come!
