damson plum tree

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.

What is the difference between a damson and a plum?

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Are Damsons poisonous to dogs?

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.

Where do plum trees grow best?

Most plum production occurs in Tulare and Fresno counties within the San Joaquin Valley (USDA 2014). Plum trees thrive in California's Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Trees grow best in deep sandy loam soils with good drainage, but are tolerant of a wide range of soils.

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.

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.

How do you prune a damson plum 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.

Is Damson Plum self pollinating?

Damson plums are self-fertile, meaning each tree can pollinate its own flowers to produce fruit, although some cultivars may produce better if another European plum with the same flowering time is nearby.

Are damson trees 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.

How long can you keep Damsons in the freezer?

Puréed fruit may be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months. For example: apples, apricots, plums, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, pears, blackcurrants, rhubarb, blackberries and damsons.

How do you preserve damson plums?

Wipe the damsons, discarding any that are squashy or bruised. Prick the fruit all over with a needle and put them into glass preserving jars, layering them with the sugar. Alternatively, freeze the fruit in a sealable plastic bag, then bash them with a heavy object until they are cracked.

Can you cook Damsons from frozen?

I think one of the best things to do with damsons is to keep it simple and stew them with sugar. I tend to cook them straight from frozen, they just need a little bit longer in the oven. It's hard to beat them when they are served with custard. ... Serve warm with plenty of warm custard.

Can you grow Damsons from seed?

To begin soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours and then drain away the water. ... Once the pre treatment period has finished the seeds can be sown. Plant them about 10mm deep in a pot containing good quality compost. Keep them in a warm place at around room temperature and germination should begin within 1 or 2 weeks.

What vitamins are in Damsons?

Damson – Prunus domestica

Plums are again rich in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system. They also contain sorbitol which helps regulate the digestive system,meme it's use as a laxative!!!

How do you get stones out of Damsons?

Cook the damsons in a preserving pan with the water gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. At the same time cook the stones in a separate medium sized pan with 20 mls of water for 20 minutes. When the stones have cooked put them in a sieve and squeeze with the back of a wooden spoon for a couple of minutes.