An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.

The genteel name of this newer Russian selection obviously refers to taste, rather than lack of hardiness as it has proven to be robust enough to survive temperatures lower than -40°in Edmonton, when even the venerable Mont-Royales did not. In many respects, Delicate seems very similar to Mont-Royale. This includes appearance, flavour, ripening time and growth habits. Fruit size, on average, is just slightly smaller. Black Knot has not been seen, although it is likely too early to rule out the possibility entirely. Delicate show great promise for any European plum enthusiast, but especially for those in frigid areas.

SELF-FERTILE | ZONE 3 | HARVEST : EARLY SEPT.