Top 20 Damson Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

damson are a case of plum with a rich history and a unique , slightly lemony smack . They are ideal for making jams , preserves , and preparation , but some diverseness are also delicious for sweet eating . damson are relatively easy to grow , and take the right variety can lead to an abundant harvest . In this template , we ’ll research the top 20 damson varieties to grow and partake crucial tips for cultivating a healthy and productive damson plum tree .

1.Shropshire Prune

The Shropshire Prune is one of the most traditional damson plum varieties , known for its dingy blue skin and rich , tart flavor , perfect for jams and preparation .

Tip : Shropshire Prune damsons fly high in well - drained grime and welfare from annual pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruit production .

2.Merryweather

Merryweather damson are larger than most , with a sweet - woman of the street flavor that ’s corking for fresh eating as well as cooking . The deep purple fruit is extremely prized .

summit : Merryweather is a dauntless variety , but ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to further big , gamy fruit .

3.Farleigh

Farleigh damson are smaller with dark purple skin and a tart flavor . They ’re ideal for make traditional damson gin or preserve .

Tip : Plant Farleigh in full sun for the effective yield production , but it can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates .

4.Westmorland

Westmorland damsons are a inheritance diversity with small , dark purple fruit and a rich , tangy feel , sodding for jam - fashioning and baking .

Tip : Ensure even tearing during dry menses to keep the yield from drying out or becoming too small .

5.Aylesbury Prune

Aylesbury Prune is a traditional English damson assortment known for its morose , gamey yield that ’s perfect for preserves and sauces .

bakshis : Mulch around the substructure of the Aylesbury Prune to retain moisture and suppress widow’s weeds , ensuring healthy growth .

6.King of the Damsons

This smorgasbord is larger than most damson and has a more pronounced sweetness , making it excellent for both fresh eating and cookery .

top : King of the Damsons benefits from regular alimentation with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong fruiting .

7.Frogmore

Frogmore damson plum are sleep with for their little , round fruit with a tart tang , making them complete for traditional preserve and cordial .

Tip : Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season to ensure plump , voluptuous fruit .

8.Bradley’s King

Bradley ’s King damsons develop medium - sized , mellifluous - tart yield that ripen early , create it smashing for both fresh use and preserving .

Tip : Prune Bradley ’s King after harvest to take away onetime wood and promote raw increase for the next season .

9.Wellington

Wellington is a popular damson plum variety that produce diminished , dark fruit with a lemony nip . It ’s idealistic for making mess and damson gin .

gratuity : ascertain near aviation circulation around the tree to prevent fungal diseases , especially in humid mood .

10.Langley Bullace

Langley Bullace is a damson loan-blend , bring about large , purple fruit with a slenderly sweeter gustatory sensation , ideal for both feeding and preparation .

bakshish : Plant Langley Bullace in a sunny location and water on a regular basis to encourage large , juicier yield .

11.Blue Violet

Blue Violet damsons are a small , dauntless variety with deep purple skin and a strong tart flavor , perfect for baking and keep .

Tip : slight the fruit during the grow season to ensure larger , better - timbre fruit at harvest time .

12.Rivers Early Prolific

This variety is one of the earliest to ripen , raise pocket-size , dark yield with a sharp flavor . It ’s groovy for form preserve .

Tip : Rivers Early Prolific benefit from well - drained soil and full sun pic for the adept yields .

13.Sweet Prune

As the name propose , Sweet Prune damson plum are sweeter than most miscellany , making them great for fresh eating and cooking .

gratuity : Prune regularly to maintain sizing and configuration , and to encourage young emergence for better fruiting .

14.Hall’s Plum

Hall ’s Plum is a prominent , dulcet damson variety that mature deep in the season , offering a delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors .

Tip : Fertilize Hall ’s Plum with an constituent fertiliser in early outflow to advertise healthy ontogenesis and abundant fruiting .

15.Cluster

bunch damson plum grow in tumid clusters of small , obscure fruit with a secure , tangy tone . They ’re idealistic for traditional conserve and preparation .

Tip : Water deeply once a week during dry while to ensure the yield remain juicy and flavorful .

16.Hertfordshire Prune

Hertfordshire Prune damsons are known for their small , dark yield with a full-bodied , tart flavor , perfect for make jams and cordial .

pourboire : Ensure the tree get plenty of sunlight , as this will better both the flavor and size of the fruit .

17.Dittisham

Dittisham is a heritage damson form that produce small , dark blue fruit with a lemony flavor . It ’s big for making damson gin and preserves .

Tip : Mulch around the bag of the tree to assist continue moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations .

18.Sloe Damson Hybrid

A crossbreed between a sloe and a damson plum , this hybrid produce small , lemony yield that ’s idealistic for making gin and other cordial .

confidential information : Prune after harvest time to take away any dead or damage branch , boost new growth the next twelvemonth .

19.French Damson

French Damson is known for its average - sized , fresh - fancy woman fruit that ’s perfect for both fresh eating and preserving .

gratuity : Fertilize in early leap and ascertain the soil is well - drain to promote healthy growth and fruit production .

20.Farleigh Early

Farleigh Early is a little variety that produces small , tart yield ideal for making traditional conserves . It ’s be intimate for its high takings .

summit : Regularly prune to remove old wood and improve air circulation , which will reduce the risk of diseases and pest .

Tips for Growing Damsons Successfully

Common Questions and Answers

Q1 : How long does it take for a damson tree diagram to bear fruit?Most damson trees start up acquire yield 3 to 5 years after set , but it may take a few more days to reach full production .

Q2 : When is the best time to plant damson plum trees?The near clip to plant damson plum trees is in early spring or recent fall when the tree is dormant , give up the roots to establish before the growing season .

Q3 : How often should I water damson plum trees?Water damson tree profoundly once a calendar week , especially during dry spells , to keep the territory consistently moist but not waterlogged .

Q4 : Can damsons be grown in containers?Yes , dwarf or semi - dwarf damson plum varieties can be grown in large containers , leave they have serious drain and are water consistently .

Q5 : How do I protect damson Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree from pests?Use organic or chemical substance sprays to insure plague like aphids and Caterpillar , and prune regularly to meliorate flow of air , which bring down the risk of disease .

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