damson merryweather size

Generally trees will be 140-160cm in height with multiple side branches. This height guide is an end of summer height.

How big is a damson plum?

Mature Size

The standard Damson plum grows to a height of around 20' and a spread of around 20' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a height of around 10' with a spread of up to 10'.

How big do damson trees grow?

Expect your damson to grow to around 10-15 feet (3-4.5m). Shropshire Prune (also known as Prune Damson) is one to choose for neat, compact growth, or you could look for a tree grown on Pixy rootstock to restrict growth to 8-10 feet (2.4-3m). Damsons are self-fertile, so you don't need to plant more than one.

How fast do damson trees grow?

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.

How do you prune a damson tree?

The columnar Damson tree

Pruning takes place in the second half of the summer and is simply a matter of trimming back all of the side growths to about 3”. Established trees only need to be pruned once a year but young trees show more vigour and you may need to go over them again in late Autumn.

Can you eat Damsons straight from the tree?

It is technically possible to enjoy damsons straight off the tree, but only if you've found the right variety growing in a sunny spot so they're burstingly ripe – and that's a state that the local bird and wasp populations are unlikely to consent to.

Are Damsons good for you?

Damson Plums

They're high in fiber, with 1/2 cup (82 grams) packing an impressive 6 grams of this nutrient (15). As a result, eating more prunes may increase stool frequency and soften your stools, making your bowel movements easier to pass (40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).

Do damson trees fruit every year?

It flowers well and the tree looks fine each year; however, no fruit ever appears. Following the flowering, the tree looks a bit sad and the leaves curl in places but no sign of pests. My other plum trees in the garden (different types) do well for fruit each year.

Can you freeze Damsons straight from the tree?

Just freeze them as they come, I think they then almost last forever. I freeze them whole. When you defrost them the stones come out easily if you want to make crumbles etc and they break down quickly if you make jam, chutney etc.

What's the difference between a plum and a damson?

The difference between plums and damsons, by the way, is less to do with the taste and more with the shape: Plums are usually bigger than damsons and have a distinct longitudinal groove. Damsons also freeze well but plums not. Plum trees need large plant containers with a minimum volume of 25 litres.

How do you eat Damsons?

Stewed damson plums can be eaten at all times of the day. Enjoy them as part of your breakfast alongside a warm cereal or French toast; serve on the side with roast pork or ham. And, of course, top with whipped cream and savor at the end of the meal for dessert.

Will Damsons ripen off the tree?

No, they are unripe, damsons should be sweet and taste like plums, leave them until they start to fall off the tree. Click to see full answer.

What are damson plums good for?

The most important health benefits of damson plums include their ability to improve the digestive system, lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, strengthen bones, increase energy, optimize sleeping patterns, decrease your risk of certain types of cancer, and boost the immune system.

How do you take care of a damson tree?

Water the tree deeply once every week during the first growing season. Thereafter, water deeply when the soil is dry, but never allow the ground to remain soggy or to become bone dry. An organic mulch, such as woodchips or straw, will conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.

What does a damson tree look like?

Description - what does it look like? A low-growing tree reaching 5-10m, with thin branches. The bark is dark coloured. Leaves are oval shaped, wrinkled and slightly downy underneath.

Can you eat Damsons?

Damsons are blue-black fruit that look like small plums. ... 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.

What tree do Damsons grow on?

The damson (/ˈdæmzən/) or damson plum (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia, or sometimes Prunus insititia), also archaically called the "damascene", is an edible drupaceous fruit, a subspecies of the plum tree.

What do you do with Damsons after making damson gin?

Tip gin-soaked damsons into a bottle or jar of tonic water, seal the top. Leave for a day or two in a cold place to create a ready-made DG&T – Damson Gin & Tonic. Tip spirit-soaked damsons (or sloes) into a bottle or jar of cider, and seal the top, to make Damcider (Cidamson?), or, with sloes, Slider.

Is Damson self pollinating?

Most Damsons are self fertile so can be grown alone and although the tree itself is hardy and reliable, the blossom comes very early so can still be prone to frost damage the same as plums and gages. The selection of varieties is quite small but serviceable and there are growing forms that answer most requirements.

Are Damsons poisonous?

Although fine in your fruit bowl, peaches, plums and damsons contain stones that can cause your dog lots of discomfort. Ingesting these stones can result in intestinal obstruction and enteritis – inflammation of the small intestine.

What are Damsons called in America?

Damson.

How long does homemade damson jam last?

For homemade jams made using sugar and processed by canning in a hot water bath, you can expect to get about two years of shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep your homemade jam in the refrigerator for up to three months.