Gage (Prunus) Cambridge Half Standard

Cambridge Gage is one of the most reliable gages you can grow and a true taste of the classic English greengage, a traditional variety long 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 flesh is soft and juicy, with the rich, honeyed sweetness gages are famous for. They are best enjoyed fresh from the tree, but also make wonderful tarts, jams and bottled fruit.

This half standard has a clear trunk of around 1.2m beneath a well-branched crown and grows into a classic, freestanding orchard-style tree with room to mow or plant beneath. That makes it ideal for lawns, larger gardens and small orchards. 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. Like all gages it loves warmth, so give it the sunniest, most sheltered spot you have. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and stake firmly for the first few years. 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.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.