Allotments 4 All

I want to get a plum tree for my allotment, but I have no idea what to buy.  I want something that is going to be happy to be grown in one of those root control bags because I want to take it with me when I move.

The only plum I know is Victoria ... any and all thoughts welcomed.

THis is a good place to look for information
http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/culturalAdvice/Plum_trees.htm

Opal is nice, try St Julian A rootstock or Pixie

Victoria is big, reliable and juicy, but a bit bland. The only other one I've grown so far is Cambridge Gage, which is small, green, and far tastier.

opal is more than nice it is brilliant, early, prolific, beautiful and flavour excellent - certainly one at the top of my list

Gardener's World on one of the UKTV channels had an interview with a specialist apple grower. His advice when growing pot grown (contained) plants was to choose really vigorous rootstock because others cannot support themselves when confined. I know that this advice was just for apples, but the same probably applies for plums.

From what I've read Oulin's Golden Gage is one of the best.

I'll agree with the reccomendations for Opal for flavour - had some from M&S in August and they were delicious! Best plums I'd ever tasted.

thanks for all the thought peeps ...

If you want something slightly different but equally as good as Victoria try
Avalon - Dessert Plum-Large round-oval shape & Red in colour. One of the finest quality desserts. A strong growing tree and recommended on Pixy rootstock for smaller gardens. Self fertile. Pick mid August. 
We stock it at www.blackmoor.co.uk
Well worth a try in my opinion
Jon

If my Victoria dies on me, I'll try Opal. Anyone know a good late plum? The Victoria is still alive, but there's been some dieback, and there are a lot of aphids on it. If it gets through the winter, it may recover, it depends whether there's anything wrong beyond the effects of the drought. I don't understand why it almost died, while all my other trees flourished.

why not head to the ken muir apple day hes going to have some plums out as well - apparantly

"Its not every day that you get the chance to taste and admire over one hundred different varieties of apple, but you can do just that at Ken Muir's Apple Tasting Weekend which runs from Friday 20th to Monday 23rd October 2006. The apple extravaganza will take place at Honeypot Farm, Rectory Road, Weeley Heath, near Clacton-on-Sea and is one of many events that is due to take place around the country to celebrate National Apple Week.

The aim of this annual event is to revive interest in old varieties and encourage gardeners to incorporate fruit species into their gardens not only to provide edible fruits but also for their ornamental value.

Some of the varieties available for tasting at this years Apple Weekend will include old favourites such as ‘Adam’s Pearmain’ and ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’, as well as some equally tasty new varieties such as 'Herefordshire Russet' and ‘Sweet Society’. There will also be the opportunity to sample some freshly pressed apple juice and taste some pears.

The four day event is also a unique opportunity to enjoy a touch of history ….. Ken Muir will be gathering together a fascinating collection of approximately 130 different varieties of apple and pear, mostly from the UK, some dating back nearly 400 years.

Ken Muir will be running a 'Fruit Clinic' during the event, and all are welcome to drop in and discuss any queries they might have on growing all types of fruit (not just apples).

There will be an opportunity to purchase a wide range of fruit trees and cane, vine and bush fruits at discounted prices.

Entrance is free of charge and the event takes place under cover, so rain will not affect play !

Hot and cold refreshments will be available, and all proceeds from the sale of refreshments will be donated to the North Essex Horse Rescue.

"

Well that looks ticketty boo ... and I might just be able to get there.  Now all I need to know is ... where's Clacton??  Sounds like it might be oop north, but it must be on a map somewheres

Hi

use this to plan the route best out of any of the online free plannig tools

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/int/tpl/hme/MaHomePage.htm

cambourne7

Oh it's about 2 hours away from me ... maybe I might rethink that one.