Plum Varieties of Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire's Plum Heritage

While less famous than the county's apples and perry pears, plums have also been an important part of Gloucestershire's orchard heritage. The county has several distinctive plum varieties and a tradition of plum growing stretching back centuries.

Types of Plums

Plums grown in Gloucestershire include:

• Dessert Plums - Sweet varieties for eating fresh
• Culinary Plums - Cooking and preserving varieties
• Damsons - Small, tart plums for preserves and flavoring
• Gages - Sweet, highly-flavored dessert plums
• Dual Purpose - Varieties suitable for multiple uses

Gloucestershire Plum Varieties

Several plum varieties are associated with Gloucestershire. Some varieties originated in the county, while others have been grown here for generations and adapted to local conditions.

Download our comprehensive guide: Gloucestershire Plums (PDF)

Notable Gloucestershire Plums

Key varieties include:

• Pershore Yellow Egg - Though named for nearby Worcestershire, commonly grown in Gloucestershire
• Victoria - The most popular plum in England, widely grown in the county
• Severn Cross - Regional variety
• Local Damsons - Various damson varieties found in hedgerows and orchards
• Greengage types - Heritage gages in old gardens

Harvest and Use

Harvest Season:

Plums ripen from July through September depending on variety:

• Early varieties - July to early August
• Mid-season - August
• Late varieties - September
• Damsons - typically September to October

Uses:

• Fresh eating (dessert varieties)
• Cooking and baking
• Jams and preserves
• Chutneys and sauces
• Freezing for later use
• Plum wine and liqueurs

GOT's Plum Conservation Work

The Gloucestershire Orchard Trust works to conserve plum heritage through:

• Surveying and documenting plum trees
• Identifying heritage varieties
• Recording local plum varieties
• Encouraging plum planting
• Preserving grafting material
• Raising awareness of plum heritage