Langley Bullace Trees - How To Care For Langley Bullace Damson Plums

Plant in the dormant season and water the tree in well. Langley Bullace can be espaliered or trained to trellis or wire. Set a stake in with young plants at installation to keep the central leader supported and straight. Keep the soil evenly moist but not boggy as the tree establishes.

How do you look after damson trees?

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 is the difference between a Bullace and a damson?

Unlike nearly all damsons, bullaces may be either "white" (i.e. yellow or green) or "black" (i.e. blue or purple) in colour, and ripen up to six weeks later in the year. Though smaller than most damsons, bullaces are much larger than the closely related sloe. Their flavour is usually rather acidic until fully ripe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do you identify a damson?

Damson

Leaves. Dark green, shiny and oval shaped with a serrated edge.
Flowers. Clusters of small, white flowers with five petals.
Fruit. A dark blue/black fruit with a thin white bloom.
Bark. The trunk is usually fairly thin the bark is often covered in scars, moss and lichen.
Habitat. ...
Possible Confusion. ...
Taste. ...
Frequency.

How do you identify a Bullace?

Found in woodland, hedgerows, gardens and parks.
reaches 5 - 10m.
Leaves are oval in shape, wrinkled, and slightly downy underneath.
Leaves broaden slightly on the top half.
Bark is dark coloured and slightly shiny on younger branches.
Flowers are white in spring.
Fruit is green, yellow or purple-black.

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.

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 time of year do you prune plum trees?

When to prune plums. Avoid pruning plums in winter, as it increases the risk of infection by silver leaf disease to which plums and other Prunus species are prone. The best time for pruning is usually spring for young trees and mid-summer for established ones.

What are the fastest growing fruit trees?

Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are some of the fastest-growing fruits. They produce the fastest fruiting the second year, compared to blueberries that can take three to five years before producing berries. Fruits generally take longer to mature than vegetables, but some are faster than others.

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).

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.

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.

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.

What is a damson plum tree?

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 best way to freeze Damsons?

How to freeze damsons (also how to freeze plums, blackberries, greengages, wild damsons and sloes):

Pick over fruit and discard any bad fruit.
Wash fruit and dry in a large clean tea cloth.
Put fruit into labelled bags and freeze.

What month do you pick Damsons?

It's true that, because of their tartness, you're unlikely to want to eat damsons straight off the tree, but we get a good harvest every August unless the blossom was damaged by a particularly bad late frost, the trees survive with barely any maintenance and, as well as making delicious preserves and pies, damsons can ...

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.