Farleigh Damson Info How To Grow A Farleigh Damson Tree

What month do you pick Damsons?

It's true that, because of their tartness, you're unlikely to want to eat damsons straight off the tree, but we get a good harvest every August unless the blossom was damaged by a particularly bad late frost, the trees survive with barely any maintenance and, as well as making delicious preserves and pies, damsons can ...

How long does it take for a damson tree to grow?

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.

How do you take care of a damson tree?

Water the tree deeply once every week during the first growing season. Thereafter, water deeply when the soil is dry, but never allow the ground to remain soggy or to become bone dry. An organic mulch, such as woodchips or straw, will conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.

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.

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.

Can you eat Damsons straight from the tree?

It is technically possible to enjoy damsons straight off the tree, but only if you've found the right variety growing in a sunny spot so they're burstingly ripe – and that's a state that the local bird and wasp populations are unlikely to consent to.

Is Damson self pollinating?

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.

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).

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).

Do Damsons ripen after picking?

No, they are unripe, damsons should be sweet and taste like plums, leave them until they start to fall off the tree.

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between a Bullace and a damson?

Unlike nearly all damsons, bullaces may be either "white" (i.e. yellow or green) or "black" (i.e. blue or purple) in colour, and ripen up to six weeks later in the year. Though smaller than most damsons, bullaces are much larger than the closely related sloe. Their flavour is usually rather acidic until fully ripe.

Can you cook Damsons from frozen?

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. My girls love to mix the damson juice with the custard to make a vivid pink pudding. ... Serve warm with plenty of warm custard.

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 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.

What do you do with Damsons after making damson gin?

Tip gin-soaked damsons into a bottle or jar of tonic water, seal the top. Leave for a day or two in a cold place to create a ready-made DG&T – Damson Gin & Tonic. Tip spirit-soaked damsons (or sloes) into a bottle or jar of cider, and seal the top, to make Damcider (Cidamson?), or, with sloes, Slider.

What do wild damsons look like?

Wild damsons (the ones in the bowl) are the size of a small olive and have the same elongated shape. The dark bluish skins have the same greyish tinge of a sloe or dark plum. The flesh is a yellow orange and the stone small.