Idiot question regarding plums

[bupster]

How do you know when plums are ripe? (new plot, old plum tree, a yellow variety) and do they need to ripen further after picking?

[bupster]

[undercarriage plan]

Not thick at all. No idea though  ;D! Sorry, but someone will know I'm sure, could try squeezy squeezy test?   :o Lottie  ;D

[bupster]

I love the squeezy squeezy test. It's going to take ages to get up to speed on these technical horticultural terms.

[Derekthefox]

You know when they are ripe, because the wasps get them !  ;D

I have always assumed, like apples, that they come away easily from the branch. Also the squeeze test applies as well. Personally, I prefer the taste test . . .  :D

[undercarriage plan]

Well Bupster, takes years of training to learn all the horticultural terms......though the squeezy splat test is an art form in itself...... ;D Lottie 

[ruudbarb]

Hi Bupster - being an 'idiot' [;D],  are you sure they aren't gages?  You are in the middle of greengage country - lucky thing.   :P

You fondle the plum/gage gently and if they feel softish, twist it round whilst applying a little pulling pressure, when, if ripe, it should come off the tree and fall lovingly in your hand.  You then stick your teeth into into it whilst looking for the next one to try to see if it is better than the first.  

[undercarriage plan]

Ah yes, squeezy soft drop test,  good idea......Lottie ;D

[bupster]

My site secretary told me they were plums, and they look plummish.  ???

I will try the squeezy soft drop test forthwith ;D

[undercarriage plan]

You can't go straight in there unprepepared!!!!! :o :o :o! You need helmet, gloves, protection overalls, back-up.............  ;D And don't forget to duck ;D Lottie

[Robert_Brenchley]

They feel more elastic than before, come off easily, and the wasps show an interest. If you don't get them in time, they either get eaten by wasps, or drop off and get eaten on the ground.

[daisymay]

Having spent about an hour picking plums the other day with an apple picker (making jam on Sunday :)). The ripe ones do come off the tree a lot easier and the squeeze test works. The not so ripe ones are hard to get off the tree, but they do continue to ripen once picked.

[Svea]

yellow plums - what size are they? we used to have a mirabelle tree which is yellow cherry sized plums - super yummy. they turned from green to yellow with a slight rose touch when they were ripe. plus the wasps, of course ;)

[ruudbarb]

My site secretary told me they were plums, and they look plummish.  ???

I will try the squeezy soft drop test forthwith ;D

Hi Bupster - have a look at the following site as it may be of interest if you are trying to identify the plums.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/databases/agmsearch.asp?eti=prunus%20and%20domestica

I was brought up to believe a gage was a superior plum and we had an old orchard/garden that had over half a dozen ancient un-named gage trees and one in particular when it decided to fruit had the most delicious honey flavour with flesh that melted in your mouth but you had to be quick as the birds and wasps knew that too....... :'(

[bupster]

Thanks, clodhopper, but I think I probably need pictures  :-[ They're oval shaped and yellow, slightly smaller than an egg. I'll try picking some this weekend - I haven't dared yet!

[undercarriage plan]

Go on Bupster!! Live dangerously... Pick a plum :o Lottie ;D

[bupster]

I am girding my loins as we speak. Possibly more information than you needed to know.

[undercarriage plan]

It's OK, I've covered my eyes...... :o :o :o!! Lets us know the outcome, and be careful! Lottie ;D

[jennym]

Thanks, clodhopper, but I think I probably need pictures  :-[ They're oval shaped and yellow, slightly smaller than an egg. I'll try picking some this weekend - I haven't dared yet!

Could be Early Laxton? Slight purplish colouring on the yellow?

[Truffle]

Hi all, this is my first ever post!

Just thought I would add that we grow plum-victoria and even when they are really ripe and squishy they still don't fall off the tree, you have to give em a real tug (unlike apples).
I also read that victoria arn't supposed to be the best tasting variety but ours are just awesome  :P :D

[bananagirl]

We have mutant plums...small but tasty, and all ripe by the middle of July.