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About this product
Plum 'Opal' (Prunus domestica)
Overview
‘Opal’ is one of the best early dessert plums, producing medium-sized, purple-red fruits with golden, sweet flesh. It crops well even in cooler, less sunny summers, making it an excellent choice for Ireland.
Key Features
- Very early-ripening dessert plum
- Sweet, golden flesh with good flavour
- Regular cropping in a wide range of climates
- Compact tree well suited to smaller gardens
How to Plant
Plant in Fertile, well-drained soil that does not sit waterlogged. in a position with Full sun for best flavour and colouring.. Dig a generous planting hole, mix in organic matter, and water thoroughly after planting. Apply a mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Care Tips
- Prune only in summer to maintain an open canopy and remove crossing branches.
- Thin heavy crop loads to improve fruit size and prevent limb damage.
- Mulch annually and water in dry spells after fruit set.
Size & Growth Timeline
Reaches around 3–4m tall and wide within 5–7 years.
Harvest
Often ready from late July onwards, making it one of the earliest plums to ripen.
Perfect For…
- Early-season fresh plums for eating off the tree
- Smaller gardens seeking a reliable plum
- Extending the plum season when grown with later varieties
Plant Details
| Blossom Period | April (spring blossom) |
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Growing Guide
| Hardiness | RHS H6 (−20°C to −15°C). |
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Plant Highlights
- Pollinator Friendly: Spring blossoms attract bees and early beneficial insects.
Growing & care
- Position & light
- Full sun
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained
- Mature size
- 4.0m high· 4.0m wide
- Foliage
- deciduous
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