Gage (Prunus) Early Transparent 12L

Early Transparent is a treasured heritage gage, raised in the 19th century by the famous Rivers Nursery in Hertfordshire, and many growers rate it among the finest-tasting fruits you can grow. Its name comes from its delicate, pale apricot-yellow skin, speckled and flushed with crimson, which is so thin you can sometimes see the golden flesh and stone inside when you hold it up to the light. In mid to late August it produces sweet, juicy, melting fruits with a rich, honeyed gage flavour. They're wonderful eaten fresh from the tree, and they also make a superb golden jam. White spring blossom is a welcome source of early nectar for bees.

Early Transparent is self-fertile, so a single tree will crop on its own, although another plum, gage or damson nearby can improve the harvest. It is easier to grow than many gages and forms a tidy, upright tree that suits most gardens. Like all gages it appreciates warmth, so plant it in full sun in a sheltered spot, or fan-train it against a south or west-facing wall, where the blossom is also better protected from late frosts. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Thin the fruit in heavy years for better size and flavour, and pick promptly as the thin-skinned fruits are popular with wasps. Prune only in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). 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.