How to grow damson plums?
How to Grow Damson Plums. Growing Damson plum trees is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. If you’re thinking about growing Damson plum trees, you need a spot where the tree receives at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day. Plum trees aren’t too choosy about soil, but the tree will perform best in deep, loamy,...
What is a damson tree?
The damson tree is one of the most popular plum trees around, recognized for its delicious sweetness and sharp tartness. The damson tree is classified as a member of the myrtle family and is a subspecies of the plum tree. The damson tree’s fruit can be recognized by its unique ovoid shape, deep indigo dusty skin, and yellow-green flesh.
What are the benefits of damson plum trees?
A Damson Plum tree not only provides health benefits and plenty of ways to use it in the kitchen, but it also provides a great habitat for birds and other animals.
See more
What's the difference between a plum and a damson?
Damsons are longer in shape than plums. They generally have deep blue skins and they are spicier and more tart, making them better for cooking. They're a popular pick for jam making. Damsons also have a reputation for being hardier, thanks to their wild ancestry.
Can you eat Damson plum?
You technically can eat a Damson plum straight from the tree, but Damson Plums are not recommended for fresh eating. Oftentimes Damson Plums have a sweet and sour flavor and can not be the most pleasant plum to eat straight from the tree. Damson plums are best when used in baking or combined to create a jam or jelly.
Are prune plums and Damson plums the same?
Damson plums (also called Italian prune plums or Empress Plums) for Austrian plum cake.
What are Damson plums used for?
Damson are more suitable for cooking than eating raw and are especially good for jams and jellies. They are also often used in desserts such as pies, tarts, fools and slumps. They can also be used in savoury dishes such as lamb or pork casseroles.
Can you eat damsons straight from the tree?
Damsons are a really reliable fruit and reward the gardener with a good harvest of delicious plump fruit for eating straight from the tree or making into jams, pies and crumbles.
Are damsons poisonous to dogs?
No, damsons are harmful to dogs. Their stones are particularly dangerous. When chewed, they release cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The stones of damsons are also difficult to digest and may obstruct the flow of solids and liquids in a dog's digestive tract.
What is the sweetest plum tree?
Mirabelle plums are the sweetest of all plum varieties. The small fruit with a slight reddish blush is popular for making eau-de-vie in France. Red plum varieties have bright red skin.
How long do Damson plum trees live?
Damson trees are good 'doers' and can fruit for 50 years. They don't take much maintenance, but when you do prune, stick to early summer to avoid the risk of silver leaf fungi.
How long does it take a damson tree to fruit?
Damsons are not difficult to grow. They will come true from a stone and will produce fruit within 15 years. Alternatively, you can buy a tree grafted on to a rootstock that will control the amount of growth.
Can you eat damsons without cooking?
Modern cultivated damsons (such as the Merryweather variety) can be eaten raw when ripe, although there is about as much stone as there is flesh. In general, they're best cooked, which brings out their sweet, spicy flavour. Many home-brewers are also eager to harvest the fruit to make damson 'wine' or damson gin.
Are all damsons edible?
They could be confused with other members of the Plum family for example Sloes or Bullaces. But they are all safe to eat. The exact origins of Damsons is unknown, some botanists believe that Damsons, Plums, Greengages and Bullaces are all hybrids of the Sloe bush.
Do you need more than one plum tree?
Most plum trees are not self-pollinating, so you will need to plant at least two plum trees to bear fruit. When planting a plum tree, it is important to make sure that the variety you choose will grow well in your climate. European, Japanese, and Damson plum varieties are available depending on your location.
Are damsons good to eat?
Modern cultivated damsons (such as the Merryweather variety) can be eaten raw when ripe, although there is about as much stone as there is flesh. In general, they're best cooked, which brings out their sweet, spicy flavour. Many home-brewers are also eager to harvest the fruit to make damson 'wine' or damson gin.
What month are damsons ready to pick?
How to grow damsons. Damsons are produced on trees and ready to harvest from August to October in the UK. They will come true from a saved stone, but you could be waiting many years for the tree to mature and bear fruit.
What does a Damson plum look like?
What do Damson plums look like? The small clingstone prunes are dark purple black with firm green or golden yellow flesh. The trees display an attractive, rounded shape. The ovoid green leaves are finely toothed along the edges.
Can I freeze Damson plums?
Yes, you can freeze damsons. Damsons can be frozen for around 3 months. Damsons, like many other fruits, freeze really well. Make sure they're nice and fresh and wash them thoroughly before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
What is a Damson Plum?
Damson Plums bloom in the late spring and offer not only a delicious fruit but also beautiful showy white clusters that cover the tree. Because they bloom in late spring, they are less likely to be damaged by frost. Also, once you plant a Damson Plum tree, you can expect a fruitful harvest in 2-4 years.
How to Grow Damson Plum Trees?
A dwarf Damson Plum tree grows to be ten feet wide and ten feet tall compared to the normal plum tree being twenty feet tall and twenty feet wide. That means if you are limited on space, you can grow Dwarf Damson Plum trees on your back porch with ease.
What is the flavor of blue damson plum?
Because a Blue Damson plum has a sweet-sour flavor, they are often used in a variety of jelly and jams where sweeteners are added.
How often do Damson plum trees grow?
Damson plum trees have a moderate growth rate, so where you decide to plant them is crucial. They typically grow a foot to two feet every single year. Damson Plum Trees also thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Damson plums are perfect for any type of soil but love growing in moist soil. They are also incredibly cold, hardy ...
What is the difference between Newport plums and Damson plums?
Newport plums offer stunning visual colors while not offering fruit that is commonly eaten by humans. At the same time, Methley plums provide delicious rich plum flavor. Damson plums, also known as Prunus Institia, give you a little of both worlds.
How long does it take for a Damson Plum tree to produce fruit?
Also, once you plant a Damson Plum tree, you can expect a fruitful harvest in 2-4 years. The dark green foliage along with the purplish-blue fruit complement each other to create a stunning display.
What is a good tree to grow in your backyard?
Plums. Plum trees are a great option to add to your backyard orchard for both visual appeals and to have fresh fruit at your fingertips. If you love to can fresh fruit or use fruit in your baked goods, a blue damson plum tree is a wonderful option for you. Damson plums ripening on plum tree growing in organic garden.
What is Damson Plum?
Damson Plum. Prunus institia. A small, vigorous, rugged, erect growing plum tree. White flowers are borne in umbrel-like clusters of 2-3 on short spurs, and solitary or 2-3 in axils on one year old wood. The later spring bloom time of the flowers makes them less frost prone. The foliage is dark green.
What is the significance of Damson plum trees?
It may be an ancestor of the European plum. Wild plum trees are symbolic of independence . Plum is the national flower of Taiwan, and its flowers are often depicted in Asian art.
What type of soil does Damson plum prefer?
It prefers a moist, well-drained, loamy, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil.
What zone does damson plum grow in?
The damson plum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5– 7. View Map
When do plum trees ripen?
The foliage is dark green. Fruit production begins in 3-4 years.This tree bears heavy crops of purplish blue juicy, tart plums that ripens in August to October. Self-fertile.
Where did the plum tree get its name?
It appears in ancient Mesopotamian records and is the plum of the ancient Greek poets. It took its name from Damascus. From there, it was taken to Italy and then to the rest of Europe where it now grows wild and in home orchards.
When do clingstones ripen?
The flavor can be either sweet or sour, and the plums are great for canning. Yields ripe fruit typically from August to early September. Bears a heavy crop each season. Begins to bear crops in 3–4 growing seasons.
What is the significance of Damson plum trees?
It may be an ancestor of the European plum. Wild plum trees are symbolic of independence . Plum is the national flower of Taiwan, and its flowers are often depicted in Asian art.
Where did the damson plum get its name?
It appears in ancient Mesopotamian records and is the plum of the ancient Greek poets. It took its name from Damascus. From there, it was taken to Italy and then to the rest of Europe where it now grows wild and in home orchards.
What is the color of clingstone fruit?
Produces small, dark blue or purple clingstone fruit with golden yellow flesh that is firm and a flavor that can be either sweet or sour
Is Damson a plum tree?
The strong similarities between wild and domestic trees, and between the descriptions of ancient writers and observations today make this fruit tree noted for its remarkable consistency. The Damson is often grouped with the European plums, but botanists classify it as a separate species.
Is Damson plum good for home?
The Damson plum tree has many traits that make it a fine choice for the homeowner, including a low and compact crown, tolerance to different soils, cold hardiness, resistance to diseases, and the ability to thrive with little or no care. Not to mention the fact that the tart, juicy plums are excellent for home canning.
How to treat Merryweather damson trees?
Check the Merryweather damson trees frequently for aphids, scale, and spider mites. Treat them with insecticidal soap spray. Caterpillars can be managed with Bt, a naturally occurring biological control.
What is a Merryweather damson?
Merryweather damsons, originating in England, are a tart, delicious type of plum, sweet enough to be eaten raw, but ideal for jams and jellies . One of the hardiest of all fruit trees, Merryweather damson trees are attractive in the garden, providing showy white flowers in spring and lovely foliage in autumn.
Is Merryweather plum self fertile?
Merryweather damson plums are self-fertile, but a pollination partner nearby that flowers about the same time may improve quality and yield. Good candidates include Czar, Jubilee, Denniston’s Superb, Avalon, Herman, Jefferson, Farleigh and many others.
What is a damson tree?
The damson tree is a subspecies of plum. Farleigh damson plums are longer and more oval than regular plums and smaller overall in size. The flesh is firmer and drier and does not break down completely when cooked, unlike plums whose flesh melts into an almost baby food consistency when cooked.
What is a Farleigh Damson?
Farleigh damson plums are palm-sized bites of goodness. Their slight acidity and extra hardiness set them apart from standard plums. The trees are small and sturdy, which makes them excellent for windbreaks or hedges and they can be trained to a trellis or espalier.
Where did the Farleigh damson originate?
Farleigh damsons are bluish-black and arrive mid to late season. This damson originated in Kent in the early 1800s. The seedling was possibly a wild sport and grown by Mr. James Crittendon from Farleigh. The tree is also known as Farleigh Prolific due to its heavy cropping habit.
How big can a Farleigh Prolific tree grow?
Depending upon the rootstock, the tree can reach 13 feet (4 m.) or may be smaller.
Do damsons need sun?
Like all plums, damsons require full sun. A southern or western site is perfect. Soil should have a neutral pH, be well draining and loam to sandy loam. Keep young trees well-watered and train them early to develop a strong scaffold and sturdy trunk.
Is Farleigh Damson a self fertile tree?
Farleigh damson is a self-fertile tree, but you can get a better crop with a pol linating partner. In addition to its extreme hardiness, the tree is also resistant to many pests and diseases, including silverleaf.
The Czar Tree
The Czar plum tree is native to the UK, however, its name was given in honor of the Russian Czar, Alexander the second. The Czar tree is classified as a cultivated species of the common plum tree. The tree is relatively hardy as it can grow in a variety of soils and grows effectively in numerous weather conditions.
Mirabelle Plum Tree
The mirabelle plum tree, also known as the cherry plum tree, is a cultivated variety of plum trees that are said to originate from Asia. The Mirabelle tree is recognized for the sweet and juicy fruit it bears. The mirabelle plum is classified as a drupe. It can be distinguished from other plums by its oval shape and orange-yellow skin and flesh.
Damson Tree
The damson tree is one of the most popular plum trees around, recognized for its delicious sweetness and sharp tartness. The damson tree is classified as a member of the myrtle family and is a subspecies of the plum tree. The damson tree’s fruit can be recognized by its unique ovoid shape, deep indigo dusty skin, and yellow-green flesh.
Prune Plum Tree
The prune plum tree is classified as a fruit-bearing tree that is characterized as a subspecies of the European plum. The prune plum tree is relatively small, growing up to 10 meters in height.
Greengage Tree
Though native to the Middle East, the greengage plum trees can most commonly be found growing across western Europe. The trees are recognized for the fruit they bear. Greengage fruit is distinct in its appearance with its green dusty skin and bright green flesh. Greengage trees thrive in temperate conditions.
Victoria Plum Tree
The Victoria plum tree is classified as a self-fertile fruiting tree that is most commonly harvested for its red oval drupe fruit which can be eaten fresh or used for culinary purposes. The Victoria plum tree is a small tree that grows to about 4 meters tall.
Avalon Plum Tree
The Avalon plum tree is widely recognized as the common plum tree. The tree produces oval deep-red drupes known as plum fruit.
How to grow a Shropshire pruned damson plum tree?
Growing Shropshire prune Damsons requires similar care as other types of plum trees. Your tree will need full sun, at least six to eight hours per day. It needs soil that is rich and fertile and that drains well.
What is the tastiest plum?
There are other types of Damson, but the Shropshire prune Damson tree is considered by many to have the tastiest fruits. They are deep purple with a yellow flesh, longer than other varieties, and oval-shaped.
What is a Shropshire Prune?
The Shropshire prune is one of several Damson types of plum. These are small plums with a bitter flavor when eaten fresh. Most people don’t enjoy the taste of a fresh Damson, but everything is transformed by both drying and cooking.
What is the best plum for cooking?
One of the best varieties of plums for cooking is the Shropshire, a type of Damson, often referred to as a prune because it dries well and is tasty. The flavor can be astringent when raw, but delightful when cooked, baked, or dried.
Is a Shropshire tree self fertile?
It does well in zones 5 through 7 and resists many diseases. The Shropshire is also self-fertile, so you don’t need another plum tree for pollination. This and the small growth habit make growing Shropshire prune Damsons a good option for smaller gardens.