Prunus domestica Quetsche toronto - Common plum

Prunus domestica 'Quetsche Toronto' is a recent variety that will interest owners of small gardens or even balconies or terrace gardens. This variety is indeed suitable for restricted spaces due to its perfect columnar habit, narrow and rarely exceeding 4m (13ft) in height. In April, it is covered with white flowers from top to bottom before producing beautiful dark blue plums in September. These plums are deliciously juicy and sweet and can be consumed fresh, in desserts, or for making jams. It should be grown in full sun in well-drained ordinary soil.

Plums belong to the vast Rosaceae family, to which most of our temperate climate fruit trees belong (apple trees, pear trees, apricot trees, peach trees, cherry trees, quince trees...) as well as small fruits (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries). The Prunus genus itself is extremely diverse, with over 300 species, including both fruit-bearing (almond trees, peach trees...) and ornamental species, such as many trees (Japanese cherry trees, flowering apple trees...) as well as shrubs like the widely spread Prunus laurocerasus, or Cherry Laurel. Prunus domestica is probably native to Asia Minor (Syria) and would have been introduced to Rome, along with many other species, following the Roman conquests. According to some authors, its introduction to Europe may be more closely linked to the Crusades, who really knows?

'Toronto' is a variety from Georges Delbard Nurseries, a well-known name in the history of rose and fruit tree breeding. Introduced to the market in 2016, it is part of a range of columnar fruit trees, including various genera such as apple, pear, cherry... This Plum tree reaches a height of 4m (13ft) while remaining very narrow, forming a green column that will fit perfectly in small gardens, or even in containers on a terrace or balcony. In fact, it only develops on its main axis, forming a green column when the leaves emerge. In April, it is covered with simple white flowers with 5 petals, from the top to the bottom of the vegetative column. This variety is self-fertile, but it still benefits from cross-pollination with another variety. The fertilized flowers develop into fleshy drupes that ripen in September. These plums have a beautiful dark blue, pruinose colour, and their yellow flesh is sweet. These fruits can be consumed fresh as soon as they are harvested and can also be used in tarts or jams. Fruit production usually begins 2 to 3 years after planting. Hardy down to -20°C, or even -25°C, this modern variety is not very susceptible to diseases. It grows in full sun, in well-drained ordinary soil, and can be grown in containers on a terrace or even a balcony due to its narrow lateral spread. It is not demanding and only requires pruning in July to remove the shoots that develop at the top in order to maintain a reasonable height.

If you appreciate these particular fruit forms, you can create a small collection with varieties such as the 'Villandry' Columnar Apple tree, the 'Sylvia' Columnar Cherry tree, or even the 'Diamond Zaipevi' Dwarf Peach tree. To improve the pollination of 'Toronto', you can plant the 'Quetsche Stanley' Plum tree nearby, provided you have enough space in the garden, as it is not a miniature tree!