Plum ‘Opal’

Plum ‘Opal’ is one of the most reliable garden varieties, and is suitable for growing throughout the country. Slightly earlier to crop than ‘Victoria’, this dessert plum produces a heavy crop of excellent quality, small, yellow skinned fruits with an attractive red flush in July and August. The golden flesh easily separates from its stone and has a delicious gage flavour.

• Plum rootstocks:
• VVA1 – Dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 2m (6′,6″)
• Ferlinane – Semi dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 2.5m (8′)
• St. Julien – Semi vigorous reaching a mature height of up to 4.5m (14′)

This variety is partially self-fertile. For the heaviest crops it is best grown with another variety. If you only have room for one tree then make sure that a neighbour has a tree close by that can act as a suitable pollinator.

Estimated time to cropping once planted: 2 years.
Estimated time to best yields: 4 years.

Useful links:

How to grow fruit trees Fruit rootstock guide