Plum (Prunus domestica) RIVERS TIMPURIU (EARLY RIVERS)

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Rivers Timpuriu' ('Early Rivers')

Traditional English very early variety 'Early Rivers'.

'Rivers Timpuriu' (also known as 'Early Rivers') is an old English plum variety, valued primarily as one of the first to open the season. It ripens as early as late June and offers juicy, aromatic fruits. It is also an excellent pollinator for other varieties, although it requires cross-pollination itself.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (late June – mid-July).
• Juicy, sweet, and harmonious taste.
• Stone separates well from the flesh.
• Excellent pollinator for other varieties.
• Attractive purple-blue fruits with a waxy bloom.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: England
• Synonyms: 'Early Rivers'

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium strong, pyramidal crown.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on medium-length wood and bouquets.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium size, 30 – 40 g.
• Shape: Round to round-oblong, asymmetric, with a visible suture.
• Skin: Red-purple to purple-blue, with a strong bluish waxy bloom.
• Flesh: Yellow-green, very juicy.
• Taste: Sweet, harmoniously acidic, and aromatic.
• Stone: Separates from the flesh.
• Usage: Primarily for fresh consumption.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Requires a pollinator (e.g., 'Stanley', 'Agen', 'Count Althann's Gage'). It is a good pollinator itself.
• Warning: Fruits must be harvested on time, otherwise they may be attacked by wasps.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early (June 25 – July 15).