Kirke's Blue European Plum is a historic cultivar introduced by Joseph Kirke of London in 1830 that remains one of the finest-flavored plums ever grown. This large, round tree produces dark blue freestone fruit in August with yellow flesh so juicy it drips from your fingers, backed by flavor that has impressed orchardists for nearly two centuries. Hardy in zones 5 through 9 and reaching 12 feet tall, it thrives in dry spring regions with solid summer heat. The variety is partially self-fertile, though larger yields come with a pollinating partner nearby.
Full Sun
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5-9
144in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Grown at England's renowned Wisley Royal Horticultural gardens for its incomparable flavor, Kirke's Blue carries nearly two centuries of orchard history in every bite. The freestone fruit separates cleanly from the pit, and the intensely juicy yellow flesh inside the dark blue skin represents the standard by which other plums are judged. August harvests in zones 5 to 9 reward you with fruit that, according to those who tend the heritage trees at Wisley, simply cannot be matched for taste.
Kirke's Blue is grown primarily for fresh eating, where its exceptional flavor and juicy freestone flesh shine without need for cooking or processing. The fruit's ability to separate cleanly from the pit makes it especially pleasant to eat out of hand, and the intense sweetness and balance of the yellow flesh render it suitable for anyone seeking a premium dessert plum rather than a processing variety.
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Kirke's Blue plums ripen in August and are ready to harvest when they reach full dark blue color and the flesh yields slightly to gentle pressure. Pick freestone fruit carefully, as the pit separates cleanly from the yellow flesh when ripe, and the fruit should come away from the branch with minimal resistance. Harvest in the morning after any dew has dried for the best flavor and to minimize bruising.
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“Joseph Kirke of London introduced this variety in 1830, and it has remained in continuous cultivation ever since, making it one of the longest-documented European plum cultivars. The trees growing at the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Wisley have proven the variety's staying power and reliability across generations. Its longevity in a single location and its continued reputation for excellence speak to both its horticultural merit and the dedication of gardeners who have maintained it through two centuries of changing agricultural practices.”