Damsons

Damsons

Damson trees have been around in the UK for centuries and can be regarded as native in many parts. Originally damsons came from around Damascus, Syria hence the name. The Crusaders are said to have brought back damson stones to try in England. Damson trees are often found around sites of Roman camps so maybe the Romans introduced them.

Shropshire Prune is the closest to the original Damson brought back from the middle east and may well have bred with the native Sloe to become distinctive to areas where Damson trees have been much grown, such as Westmoreland. In other parts where plums have and are grown Damson trees are grown in the hedgerows around the orchards providing shelter to the more delicate plums and help with pollination.
Damsons are used to make a variety of products - jams, jellies, chutneys, wine and Damson Gin. In the past the skins of the fruit were used to manufacture purple dye.

We offer three reliable hardy Damson tree varieties for sale that mostly fruit into September, the heart of the fruit picking time. All grown on moderate vigour St Julien A rootstock. They all have the advantage of being self fertile.

Discount information - the following discounts apply on total order value, excluding carriage.
5% on orders £75+ 10% on orders £150+

Trees are dispatched between late November and March when dormant.

However you are welcome to order now, we will then reserve and be in contact to arrange delivery. We will not debit your card until October.

Farleigh


Farleigh
A Damson producing small oval blue black fruits with a heavy blue bloom. Particularly heavy cropping when established and often loaded with fruit in clusters as in the photo Hardy, good for all areas. Often used as a windbreak tree and around edges of orchards Self fertile.
Information  
Pollination Group: C
Picking Time: Mid September

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Our Price: £16.50

Rootstock

Quantity:    

Merryweather Damson


Merryweather Damson
This Damson is in fact a cross between a Damson and a plum. Its blue/black bloomy fruits are round oval, unlike most Damsons whose fruits are usually oval and taper to either end. The flesh is green yellow with a damson flavour though not as intense as the other varieties offered. Self fertile.
Information  
Pollination Group: C
Picking Time: Mid September

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Our Price: £16.50

Rootstock

Quantity:    

Shropshire Prune


Shropshire Prune
Known as the 'Greengage of the Damsons'. Grown for a long time in Britain, maybe native. Has a number of different names ie Westmorland Damson which relates to the area where grown. Medium sized long, oval fruits, blue black with a good flavour considered the best of the Damsons. Self fertile.
Information  
Pollination Group: D
Picking Time: Mid September

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Our Price: £16.50

Rootstock

Quantity: