How to Grow Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage)
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Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage)
Prunus italica 'Count Althanns Gage'
fruitCount Althanns Gage is a premium European plum variety known for its small to medium, greenish-yellow fruit with exceptional sweetness and a rich, complex flavor. This classic dessert plum is prized for fresh eating and is considered one of the finest greengage cultivars available. The tree is a moderate grower with attractive foliage and reliable cropping.
When should you plant Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage) in your zone?
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Example Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-8; can be grown in zone 5b with protection
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Get my Greengage Plum (Count Althanns Gage) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree develops root system and initial framework branches. Limited flowering may occur but should be removed to encourage vegetative growth.
Stake tree for support, water regularly, prune to develop open vase structure with 3-4 main scaffold branches, remove all flowers first year to direct energy to growth
Flowering (Spring, March-April)
2-3 weeksTree produces abundant small white or pale pink flowers in clusters along branches before or with early leaf emergence. Flowers are slightly self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination.
Protect flowers from late frosts with frost cloth if temperatures drop below 28°F; ensure adequate pollinator access; thin flowers if set appears excessive (every 4-6 inches)
Fruit Development (Late Spring-Summer, May-July)
8-10 weeksSmall green fruit develops and gradually enlarges. Fruit remains green or greenish-yellow with thin skin. Tree requires consistent moisture and nutrients during this period.
Thin fruit to 1 fruit every 4-6 inches for quality production, provide consistent watering (1-1.5 inches weekly), apply balanced fertilizer monthly until mid-July, monitor for pests and diseases
Ripening (Late Summer-Early Fall, August-September)
3-4 weeksFruit reaches full size and develops rich sweetness. Skin color shifts to golden-green or golden-yellow, often with subtle russetting. Fruit softens slightly and becomes intensely aromatic.
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars, stop nitrogen fertilization, harvest fruit as it reaches peak ripeness (slightly soft to gentle pressure), taste fruit regularly to determine optimal harvest timing
Dormancy (Late Fall-Winter, October-February)
4-5 monthsTree loses leaves and enters rest period. Buds set for next season's flowering.
Prune in late winter to remove crossing branches, thin interior, and maintain shape; apply dormant oil spray in late winter if pests are a concern; rake and remove fallen leaves to reduce disease
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove fallen fruit daily, apply insecticide at petal fall, use sticky traps, prune out infested branches, grow resistant varieties when possible
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning, use pheromone traps, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
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Apply insecticide at bloom, thin fruit aggressively to reduce damage sites, remove fallen fruit
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Apply dormant oil in late winter, use miticides if populations are severe, maintain tree vigor
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Remove mummified fruit, prune for air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide during bloom if humidity is high
Uses
Fresh Eating & Desserts
CulinaryCount Althanns Gage is primarily valued as a premium dessert plum for fresh eating straight from the tree. The fruit is also excellent in tarts, compotes, jams, and preserves where its complex sweetness shines. [source]
Liqueur & Brandy Production
CulinaryTraditionally used in France to produce plum liqueur (eau-de-vie de mirabelle and related spirits) and in German schnaps production. The fruit's concentrated sugars make it ideal for fermentation. [source]
Digestive & Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalPlums are rich in sorbitol (a natural sugar alcohol with mild laxative properties), fiber, and phenolic compounds. Traditional herbalism uses plum fruit to support digestive health and regulate bowel function. [source]
Jam & Preserve Making
HouseholdThe fruit's natural pectin and sugar content make it ideal for home jam and jelly production. Greengage preserves are a classic British specialty with distinctive flavor. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeSpring blossoms provide early nectar and pollen for bees and pollinators. Fallen fruit supports birds and beneficial insects in late summer and early fall. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruit yields slightly to gentle hand pressure and has developed full golden-green color, typically late August to early September. Greengages do not ripen significantly after picking, so wait for tree-ripeness. Pick fruit gently to avoid bruising the delicate skin. Refrigerate at 32-35°F for short-term storage (2-4 weeks); can be frozen for longer storage. For peak flavor, consume within 1-2 days of harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Count Althanns Gage was named after Count Althann, an 18th-century Austrian nobleman, and represents one of Europe's most prestigious heirloom plum varieties with a history spanning over 250 years.
- 🌱 The term 'greengage' derives from Sir William Gage, an English botanist, who popularized these green-fruited plum varieties in England in the 18th century, lending his name to the entire class of fruit.
- 🌱 This variety is notably self-fertile but produces significantly better yields with cross-pollination from other European plum varieties, particularly other greengages or compatible plum cultivars.
Gardening Terms
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