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

Damsons are a type of plum with a rich history and a unique, slightly tart flavor. They are ideal for making jams, preserves, and cooking, but some varieties are also delicious for fresh eating. Damsons are relatively easy to grow, and selecting the right variety can lead to an abundant harvest. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 damson varieties to grow and share essential tips for cultivating a healthy and productive damson tree.

1. Shropshire Prune

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

Tip: Shropshire Prune damsons thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from annual pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruit production.

2. Merryweather

Merryweather damsons are larger than most, with a sweet-tart flavor that’s great for fresh eating as well as cooking. The deep purple fruit is highly prized.

Tip: Merryweather is a hardy variety, but ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote large, juicy fruit.

3. Farleigh

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

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

4. Westmorland

Westmorland damsons are a heritage variety with small, dark purple fruit and a rich, tangy flavor, perfect for jam-making and baking.

Tip: Ensure regular watering during dry periods to keep the fruit from drying out or becoming too small.

5. Aylesbury Prune

Aylesbury Prune is a traditional English damson variety known for its dark, juicy fruit that’s perfect for preserves and sauces.

Tip: Mulch around the base of the Aylesbury Prune to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring healthy growth.

6. King of the Damsons

This variety is larger than most damsons and has a more pronounced sweetness, making it excellent for both fresh eating and cooking.

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

7. Frogmore

Frogmore damsons are known for their small, round fruit with a tart flavor, making them perfect for traditional preserves and cordials.

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

8. Bradley’s King

Bradley’s King damsons produce medium-sized, sweet-tart fruit that ripens early, making it great for both fresh use and preserving.

Tip: Prune Bradley’s King after harvest to remove old wood and encourage new growth for the next season.

9. Wellington

Wellington is a popular damson variety that produces small, dark fruit with a tangy flavor. It’s ideal for making jam and damson gin.

Tip: Ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent fungal diseases, especially in humid climates.

10. Langley Bullace

Langley Bullace is a damson hybrid, producing large, purple fruit with a slightly sweeter taste, ideal for both eating and cooking.

Tip: Plant Langley Bullace in a sunny location and water regularly to encourage larger, juicier fruit.

11. Blue Violet

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

Tip: Thin the fruit during the growing season to ensure larger, better-quality fruit at harvest.

12. Rivers Early Prolific

This variety is one of the earliest to ripen, producing small, dark fruit with a tart flavor. It’s great for making preserves.

Tip: Rivers Early Prolific benefits from well-drained soil and full sun exposure for the best yields.

13. Sweet Prune

As the name suggests, Sweet Prune damsons are sweeter than most varieties, making them great for fresh eating and cooking.

Tip: Prune regularly to maintain size and shape, and to encourage new growth for better fruiting.

14. Hall’s Plum

Hall’s Plum is a large, sweet damson variety that ripens late in the season, offering a delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Tip: Fertilize Hall’s Plum with an organic fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant fruiting.

15. Cluster

Cluster damsons grow in large clusters of small, dark fruit with a strong, tangy flavor. They’re ideal for traditional preserves and cooking.

Tip: Water deeply once a week during dry spells to ensure the fruit remains juicy and flavorful.

16. Hertfordshire Prune

Hertfordshire Prune damsons are known for their small, dark fruit with a rich, tart flavor, perfect for making jams and liqueurs.

Tip: Ensure the tree receives plenty of sunlight, as this will improve both the flavor and size of the fruit.

17. Dittisham

Dittisham is a heritage damson variety that produces small, dark blue fruit with a tart flavor. It’s great for making damson gin and preserves.

Tip: Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

18. Sloe Damson Hybrid

A cross between a sloe and a damson, this hybrid produces small, tart fruit that’s ideal for making gin and other liqueurs.

Tip: Prune after harvest to remove any dead or damaged branches, encouraging new growth the following year.

19. French Damson

French Damson is known for its medium-sized, sweet-tart fruit that’s perfect for both fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Fertilize in early spring and ensure the soil is well-drained to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

20. Farleigh Early

Farleigh Early is a smaller variety that produces small, tart fruit ideal for making traditional preserves. It’s known for its high yields.

Tip: Regularly prune to remove older wood and improve air circulation, which will reduce the risk of diseases and pests.

Tips for Growing Damsons Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Damsons prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant them in well-drained soil, as they do not like wet, heavy soils.
2. Water consistently: Damsons need regular watering, especially during dry periods and when the fruit is forming. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
3. Prune annually: Prune damson trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and to improve air circulation. This helps prevent disease and encourages better fruiting.
4. Mulch heavily: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
5. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and fruit development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
6. Pest control: Damsons can be affected by pests like aphids, plum moths, and caterpillars. Monitor your trees regularly and use organic or chemical controls as needed.
7. Harvest at the right time: Damsons are ready to harvest when they have developed their full color and are slightly soft to the touch. Pick them before they fall to avoid bruising.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a damson tree to bear fruit?
Most damson trees start producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, but it may take a few more years to reach full production.

Q2: When is the best time to plant damson trees?
The best time to plant damson trees is in early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant, allowing the roots to establish before the growing season.

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

Q4: Can damsons be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or semi-dwarf damson varieties can be grown in large containers, provided they have good drainage and are watered consistently.

Q5: How do I protect damson trees from pests?
Use organic or chemical sprays to control pests like aphids and caterpillars, and prune regularly to improve airflow, which reduces the risk of disease.