Prunus domestica 'TOPTASTE'^®

Toptaste^® is a modern variety of plum tree tolerant of sharka virus. It produces quite large fruit of excellent taste, possibly one of the best – hence its name TopTaste. It is an early variety ripening in September. The plums are oval to rounded, rich blue outside and yellow inside, very juicy, sweet, and aromatic, and free-stone. It is best suited for preserves and eating right off the tree, though it is popular for plum brandy production. Mature fruit remains firm on the tree and does not fall down which extends the time needed for harvesting. It is partially self-fertile but will be grateful for another early plum variety nearby for higher yield.

Plum trees like fertile, well-drained, moderately moist but never wet soil. On dry summers watering is essential during the fruit formation. They are taller than for example peach trees but can easily be kept smaller by pruning in spring, best done after flowering. Reduce long shoots by a third and remove all thin and weak branches. Still, when a strong and symmetrical crown has developed, trees are best left to their own devices. It is fully hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 26-10-2016