prunus insititia 'farleigh damson

Prunus 'Farleigh Damson' and wildlife Prunus 'Farleigh Damson' is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, makes a good wildlife hedge, has seeds for birds and is a caterpilar food plant.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 are Damsons called in America?

Damson.

What are Damsons 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 tall 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.

What is the difference between damsons and sloes?

Sloe bushes have sharp thorns and wild damson trees do not. Damsons have longer stems so hang and look more like a tiny plum. Sloes have shorter stems and hug the branches more.

What does a damson plum look like?

What do Damson plums look like? The small clingstone prunes are dark purple-black with firm green or golden yellow flesh. The trees display an attractive, rounded shape. The ovoid green leaves are finely toothed along the edges.

How do you 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).

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.

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.

Can you take cuttings from a damson tree?

Re: Damson Cuttings

I would try: taking 10 cuttings about 20 cm long in late autumn/early winter. ... Cut the end of each cutting on the diagonal. This exposes more tissue to the stimulation of the hormone powder. Dip in hormone powder and insert in the sand but make sure its not so deep that the end is in the potting mix.

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.

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.

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 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 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.