Family Multi-Plum Tree (Prunus domestica) PERDRIGON + SUHKRUPLOOM + LAINE

Family Multi-Plum Tree (3 in 1): Perdrigon + Suhkruploom + Laine

An extraordinary combination of a historical French culinary gem, an Estonian "sugar plum," and a large-fruited Latvian variety on a single trunk.

1. Plum 'Perdrigon' / syn. 'Perdigon' (Medium-late culinary variety)

An ancient French heritage variety, famous for producing the luxurious royal dried plums "pistoles" and boasting an exceptional flavor when cooked.

From mid-August to mid-September, the Provencal treasure 'Perdrigon' (syn. Prune Perdrigon) ripens. The history of this variety dates back to the 16th century when it was highly praised by King Francis I. In the 18th century, the flattened dried plums of Brignoles were exported as a precious royal dessert under the name "pistoles" (named after the Spanish gold coins).

Key advantages of the variety:

• Immense historical value: An exclusive collector's variety with a rich heritage from Southern France.
• Perfect for drying: The firm, yellow-orange flesh and easily free stone are key to successful traditional home drying.
• Culinary excellence: Cooking or baking releases an exceptionally sweet, rich, and aromatic flavor – ideal for pies, tarts, jams, and brandies (eau-de-vie).
• Hardiness: The tree blooms late (low risk of spring frost damage) and the fruits are noted for good resistance to worm infestation.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Smaller, oblong-oval fruits of a purple-blue color with reddish highlights and a thick grayish waxy bloom.
• Note: The skin is thick and tough, and when eaten fresh, the raw fruit can have a mild astringency. Therefore, it is highly recommended for cooking or drying, which completely removes any bitterness.
• Harvest period: Mid-August to mid-September.

2. Plum 'Suhkruploom' (Early variety “Sugar Plum”)

A traditional Estonian variety yielding sweet, rich purple-black fruits, excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and drying.

In mid-August, the Estonian sugar plum 'Suhkruploom' reaches maturity. Bred by Julius Eslon at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre as a seedling of open-pollinated 'Wilhelmine Späth' (released in 1957), it yields quick crops of sweet fruits and serves as an excellent parent variety for breeding.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Notably sweet flavor: The fruits are sweet and satisfying (sugars 9.4%) with a pleasantly balanced mild tartness.
• Self-fertility: Fully self-fertile, although the presence of its 'Victoria' partner on the tree ensures optimal pollination.
• Versatile utility: Perfect for fresh eating right from the branch, as well as for home canning and drying.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance and flesh: Small to medium (15 – 20 g) oblong-oval to heart-shaped fruits of a purple-black color with a heavy waxy bloom. The orange-yellow flesh is moderately firm with a cleanly separating stone.
• Harvest period: Mid-to-late August.
• Grower's note: In cold summers, the fruits may not develop their full sweet flavor. The tree is less winter-hardy compared to other northern varieties and is partially susceptible to plum pox virus (sharka).

3. Plum 'Laine' (Medium-late large-fruited variety)

A modern Latvian commercial variety yielding large purple fruits, featuring heavy crops, great flavor, and natural self-thinning of young fruit.

Completing this trio is the successful Latvian variety 'Laine', registered and protected in Dobele since 2016. It forms a spreading, wide, and easily trained crown (reaching up to 3 m) with horizontal branches, making it a promising variety for home orchards and commercial growers alike.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Large and attractive fruits: Reach a substantial weight of 50 – 75 g, boasting a highly appealing purple appearance.
• Natural self-thinning: The tree naturally drops undeveloped young fruit, preventing branch overload and breakage.
• Self-fertility and hardiness: The variety is fully self-fertile and shows good frost resistance of the flower buds.

Fruit and Harvest

• Flesh and flavor: Light yellow, moderately firm, and juicy flesh. The small, pointed stone separates completely. For the best flavor, harvest when the fruits reach technical maturity.
• Harvest period: First decade of September. When harvested at full eating ripeness, the flesh can become slightly less juicy.
• Grower's tip: Regular rejuvenation pruning is necessary after the tree enters bearing to prevent dense crown growth and premature aging of the wood.