Hungarian Donetsk Early

The plum variety 'Hungarian Donetsk Early' is one of the most flavorful and popular varieties, developed in 1951 at the Donetsk branch of the Institute of Horticulture of the Ukrainian Academy of Agricultural Sciences by breeder L. I. Tarankenko. The tree is medium-sized with a broad pyramidal or round crown, characterized by winding, wavy branches. The fruits are oval or round-oval in shape with a distinctive neck, weighing about 35-40 grams. The skin is blue or dark blue with a bluish bloom, and the flesh is dense, juicy, and aromatic, with a white or olive-green hue. The taste is sweet with a slight acidity or astringency, lacking a specific plum flavor, making them especially pleasant when eaten fresh.

This variety is characterized by an early ripening period — the fruits are ready for harvest in the first decade of September. 'Hungarian Donetsk Early' is highly transportable and versatile in use: the fruits are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. This variety is especially valued for producing high-quality juice with flesh, as well as for making jams, compotes, and dried fruits. Thanks to its dense and juicy flesh, the plum retains its flavor even after thermal processing.

The variety exhibits good cold and drought resistance, allowing it to be grown under various climatic conditions. 'Hungarian Donetsk Early' is resistant to diseases such as moniliosis and clasterosporosis. It is a self-fertile variety, but for increased yield, it is recommended to plant it alongside other plum varieties, such as 'Rennklot' Karbyshew. Fruit-bearing begins in the third year after planting, making this variety attractive to gardeners seeking quick harvests.