Growing Damson Plum Trees How To Care For Damson Plums

A pH level slightly on either side of neutral is fine for this adaptable tree. Once established, Damson plum trees require little care. 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.

How do you prune a damson plum tree?

During the Summer, usually in late July, all of the new side branches should be shortened to about 8 inches, pruning to a downward pointing bud, the leader (main stem) should be left un-pruned. If the side shoots appear too close together, remove some completely to leave a well shaped tree.

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.

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.

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.

How do you prune a mature plum tree?

Complete all summer pruning by mid- to late-July to prevent frost damage to the tree. Start by cutting off dead or diseased branches. If a particular branch doesn't have any fruit growing on it, cut that branch off so the tree won't waste energy on it. Prune it back to the trunk rather than back to a bud.

When should I plant a damson tree?

When to plant damsons

Damson trees often come "bare-rooted" which means that there is no soil around the roots. Plant them from late autumn to early winter as trees generally shut down and become dormant in winter. So this is the best time for them to be planted as it means that their growth is not interrupted.

How do you care for 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.

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).

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.

Can you cook Damsons from frozen?

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. My girls love to mix the damson juice with the custard to make a vivid pink pudding. ... Serve warm with plenty of warm custard.

Can you use frozen damsons for jam?

I've just frozen about 20lb of damsons most fruit freezes well and is good for jam because they come out soft and reduces cooking time. I usually wash them and bag them in two or 4 lb to save time later.

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.

What is the best tasting plum?

Santa Rosa

Though you may think of plums as an American or European fruit, Japanese plums are actually the most popular type in the United States, with Santa Rosas being the most prominent variety of them all. Be on the lookout for light red skin and red-hued flesh and expect a tart/sweet balance when you bite into it.

How do I know when damsons are ready to pick?

If you are making damson gin, you can pick them before they are properly ripe - that way the scrumpers won't get them. If it's any help (probably not) you are meant to pick sloes either on 1 october or after the first frost (whichever is sooner).

Do Damsons ripen after picking?

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

What do wild damsons look like?

Wild damsons (the ones in the bowl) are the size of a small olive and have the same elongated shape. The dark bluish skins have the same greyish tinge of a sloe or dark plum. The flesh is a yellow orange and the stone small.

Can you hard prune a plum tree?

The majority of shoots growing into the centre of the tree are pruned away completely and those growing outwards are hard pruned to encourage more growth this and next year. ... In an ideal world your plum tree should end up with three or four main branches growing from the main trunk of the tree.

How long does a plum tree live?

The average lifespan for cultivated plum trees is 10 to 15 years, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's website.

How tall should a plum tree be?

Most plum trees will reach 16 feet (5 m.) at maturity or 14 feet (4 m.) if they are a dwarf variety. If you live in a more northerly climate, you may consider planting your plum tree in a location where it will have protection from cold winds, as they are prone to late frost damage.