Plum (Prunus domestica) SONORA

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Sonora'

A Latvian novelty with large, tasty, and attractive fruits.

'Sonora' is a valuable new plum variety from Latvia that meets the demands of discerning gardeners and commercial growers alike. It stands out primarily for its large to very large fruits of an attractive reddish-purple color, which have an excellent dessert flavor and firm, juicy flesh. The stone separates well from the flesh. The variety comes into bearing early, and is productive and regular. Thanks to its partial self-fertility and good resistance to frost and diseases, it is a reliable and promising choice.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large to very large fruits: Fruit weight reaches 45–60 grams.
• Excellent dessert flavor: The flesh is firm, juicy, and has a very good taste.
• Good freestone quality: Makes it easy to eat and process.
• Early, high, and regular productivity: Delivers a reliable harvest every year.
• Partially self-fertile: Will set fruit even without a pollinator, though one will increase the yield.
• Good resistance: Tolerant to frost and common plum diseases.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia, Dobele
• Cross: ‘LaCrescent’ × ‘Jefferson’
• Year of registration: 2018

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is medium-strong (up to 3.3 m), forming a spreading, easily trainable crown. It is partially self-fertile, but for maximum yields, a pollinator is recommended (e.g., ‘Minjona’, ‘Julius’).

Fruit

• Size: Large to very large (45–60 g).
• Skin: Reddish-purple with a blue waxy bloom.
• Flesh: Yellow-green, firm, moderately juicy. The stone separates well.
• Taste: Excellent, dessert-quality, sweet.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: The variety has good frost hardiness.
• Diseases: It has good resistance to plum leaf spot and plum rust.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: A dessert variety for fresh consumption.
• Suitability: A promising variety for home gardens and commercial orchards.
• Pruning: Requires regular renewal pruning to maintain fruit quality.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-September. Progressive harvesting is recommended.
• Eating maturity: Immediately after harvest.
• Storability: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks without loss of quality.