Plum (Prunus domestica) MINERVA

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Minerva'

Romanian August variety with weaker growth and attractive fruits.

'Minerva' is a high-quality Romanian plum variety bred at the Pitești - Mărăcineni institute. It was created by crossing 'Tuleu Timpuriu' and 'Early Rivers'. It is characterized by weaker to medium vigor, making it suitable for smaller gardens. The fruits are medium-sized, purple-blue with a prominent waxy bloom, and a very pleasant taste.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Weaker tree growth (suitable for smaller gardens).
• Attractive purple-blue fruits with thick bloom.
• Very pleasant, juicy taste.
• Stone separates well from the flesh.
• Suitable for fresh consumption.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: ICDP Pitești - Mărăcineni
• Parentage: 'Tuleu Timpuriu' × 'Early Rivers'
• Registration: 1984

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak to medium strong.
• Crown: Pyramidal.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium size, around 40 g.
• Shape and Color: Oval, slightly asymmetrical. The skin is purple-blue, with a strong, thick, bluish waxy bloom.
• Flesh: Yellow-green, juicy.
• Taste: Very pleasant.
• Stone: Freestone (separates from flesh).
• Usage: Primarily for fresh consumption.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile (androsterile). Pollen is sterile, so it absolutely requires a pollinator (e.g., 'Agen', 'Silvia', 'Anna Späth', 'Stanley', 'Early Rivers') and cannot pollinate other varieties itself.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early August (August 1st – 10th).