Gage (Prunus) Cambridge 12L

Cambridge Gage is one of the most dependable gages you can grow and a true taste of the classic English greengage. This traditional variety has long been grown in the orchards of East Anglia. White spring blossom, loved by bees, is followed in late August and early September by generous crops of round green fruits, sometimes blushed with gold when fully ripe. The fruit has soft, juicy flesh and the rich, honeyed sweetness gages are famous for. Eat them fresh from the tree at their best, or use them in tarts, jams and bottling.

Cambridge Gage is partly self-fertile, so it will produce some fruit on its own, but it crops far more heavily with another plum, gage or damson nearby for cross-pollination. Victoria or a Farleigh Damson makes an excellent partner. Grown on semi-vigorous St Julian A rootstock, it forms an upright tree of around 4–5m, which suits medium to larger gardens and small orchards. It also takes well to fan-training. Like all gages, it loves warmth, so give it the sunniest, most sheltered spot you have, or train it against a south or west-facing wall to help the fruit ripen to full sweetness. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, water well during dry spells while the tree establishes, and thin the fruit in heavy years for better size and flavour. Prune only in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Fully hardy. The fruit is delicious, but the stones and leaves shouldn't be eaten, so keep those out of reach of children and pets.

Supplied in a 12-litre pot.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.