merryweather damson review

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.

What's the difference between plums and damsons?

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.

Are damson trees self fertile?

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.

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.

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 do you eat Damsons?

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 are Damsons called in America?

Damson.

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.

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.

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 can you tell when damsons are ripe?

If making jam or juice you have to wait until they are soft and obviously if you just want to eat them (cooked or raw) they have to be soft and juicy!

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.

Are greengage trees self-fertile?

Your Old Green Gage gage tree is in flowering group 3. It is not self-fertile and needs a pollination partner of a different variety nearby. ... (European plums, gages, damsons, cherry plums, mirabelles, bullaces will usually cross-pollinate if their flowering times overlap).

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.

How do you identify Damsons?

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.

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.

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.

Are damsons edible?

A small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour, damsons are similar to plums and a member of the rose family. They have a large stone and are often juicy, but tend not be eaten raw due to the tartness of the flesh.

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.