Damson Trees
Damsons are very hardy trees and are easy to grow. They actually prefer damper conditions and are tolerant of wind and cold, exposed positions. They do require sun to ripen the fruit.
Damsons will grow in most soils except very acidic peat and heavy clays. All varieties are self-fertile.
Farleigh
Hardy and most likely to crop regularly in Scotland. Small blue-black fruit.
Recommended.
Cook
Eat/cook
Mid Sept
Pick
Yes
Self-fertile?
C3
Poll. Gp.
Merryweather
Large dark fruits with a good flavour, reliable heavy crops.
Suitable for northern UK and wetter areas.
Eat/cook
Eat/cook
Late Sept
Pick
Yes
Self-fertile?
C3
Poll. Gp.
Apple
Damson
Plum
Pear
Cherry
Gage
Shropshire Prune
Small hedgerow damson, very reliable with intense flavour. Regular but light cropper.
Suitable for northern UK and wetter areas.
Eat/cook
Pick
Self-fertile?
Poll. Gp.
Cook
Mid Sept
Yes
C3
Notes
Trees are supplied bare rooted during their dormant season (usually from mid-November to the end of March depending on the weather). It is recommended that bare root trees are planted within a day or two of arrival but they may be stored for longer in a cool place or 'heeled' in to a mound or pot of compost until you are ready for planting. Don't allow the roots to dry out or freeze - wrap in hessian or other insulating material if necessary. Soak the roots before planting and water in well.
AGM - The Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps home gardeners make informed choices about plants. It is only awarded to a plant that meets the following criteria:
- Outstanding excellence for ordinary garden decoration or use
- Good constitution
- Does not require highly specialist growing conditions or care
- Not particularly susceptible to any pest or disease
Rootstocks
Very vigorous (Ultimate height ~4m) – Brompton
Semi-vigorous (Ultimate height 3 – 3.5m) –SJA
Semi-dwarf (Ultimate 2.5 – 3m) –Pixy, VVA-1
Specification
Maiden (mdn) – 1 yr old tree 1 to 2m in height; may be feathered depending on variety and root
Bush (bush) – well-formed head on a clean stem, 2 years old
Half Standard (hst) – Clear stem of 1m supporting a well branched head, 2-3 years old
Standard (std) - Clear stem of 1.75m supporting a well branched head, 2-3 years old
Pollination
All damsons are self-fertile.
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Bennybeg Plant Centre
Muthill Road, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HN
Tel. 01764 656345
Bennybeg Plant Centre is an independent garden centre near
Crieff, Perthshire, run by people who are passionate about plants.
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