Mirabelles

Mirabelles are identified by their small oval shape and smooth-textured flesh. They are known for being sweet and full of flavour and often crop in abundance.

Mirabelles are early flowering so they require protection from frost. The best flavoured mirabelles are the ones grown on a south or west facing position. Grow in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained neutral to slightly acidic soils.

Rootstocks

Rootstocks in order of their vigour are outlined below: –

Pixy – Dwarf. An ideal rootstock for the smaller garden. It needs to be grown in fertile and weed-free soil. It will reach a height of 2.4-3m. Trees grown on this rootstock will bear fruit within 3 years. Use for dwarf bushes, dwarf pyramids, and small fans.

WA-VIT – Semi-Vigorous. A robust disease resistant, free standing and non suckering rootstock which is proven to suit a wide range of soils and conditions. Its around 10% smaller than SJA. Trees grown on this rootstock will bear fruit within 3 years. Use for bushes, half-standards, and fans.

St. Julian A – Semi-Vigorous. A good rootstock for most soils. Trees grown on this rootstock will reach a height of 3-3.5m. Trees grown on this rootstock will bear fruit within 4-5 years. Use for bushes, half-standards, and fans.

Varieties

Mirabelles are available as bare-root one-year-maidens from November to March. Trained forms of quinces are available in 12 litre pots all-year-round.