Top 20 Damson Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest
Damsons are traditional, hardy plum relatives prized for their rich, deep flavour and exceptional usefulness in the kitchen. Famous for making jams, jellies, gin, wine, and pies, damsons are also reliable, tough fruit trees that cope well with cooler climates and less-than-perfect conditions.
Damson trees are especially well suited to UK gardens and allotments, cropping heavily with minimal fuss. Many varieties are self-fertile, resilient to disease, and tolerant of exposed or colder sites, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced growers.
This guide covers the top 20 damson varieties to grow, along with practical tips and advice to help you enjoy healthy trees and dependable harvests year after year.
⭐ Recommended Products for Growing Damsons Successfully
Damson trees benefit from good establishment, sensible pruning, and protection while young. These essentials help improve fruit quality and long-term tree health.
• Tree Stakes, Ties, or Espalier Wires
Young damson trees need support in their early years, particularly in windy or exposed gardens. Espalier wires are useful if training against walls or fences.
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• Well-Rotted Manure or Garden Compost
Annual mulching improves soil structure, moisture retention, and fruit size while keeping trees healthy and productive.
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• Secateurs and Pruning Saw
Damsons require light but regular pruning. Sharp tools help prevent disease and make maintenance easier.
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What Are Damsons?
Damsons (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia) are small, oval plums with dark purple-blue skin and firm, greenish-yellow flesh. They are more acidic than dessert plums but develop outstanding flavour when cooked or preserved.
- Flavour: Sharp, rich, complex
- Texture: Firm flesh, small stone
- Harvest season: August to September
- Uses: Jams, gin, wine, pies, sauces
Damsons are among the most cold-hardy stone fruits available.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Damsons
- Soil: Moisture-retentive but well-drained
- Position: Full sun to light shade
- Spacing: 3–4m for bush trees
- Pollination: Many varieties are self-fertile
- Harvesting: Pick when fully coloured and slightly soft
Damsons tolerate heavier soils better than many plums.
Top 20 Damson Varieties to Grow
1. Shropshire Prune
The most famous damson variety.
- Heavy cropping
- Intense flavour
- Very hardy
Classic choice for preserves.
2. Merryweather Damson
Large-fruited variety.
- Bigger fruits
- Strong flavour
- Reliable yields
Excellent for cooking and freezing.
3. Farleigh Damson
Traditional Kent variety.
- Heavy crops
- Good disease resistance
- Excellent flavour
Reliable in most conditions.
4. Westmoreland Damson
Hardy northern variety.
- Cold tolerant
- Consistent yields
- Strong flavour
Ideal for exposed gardens.
5. King of the Damsons
Large, juicy fruits.
- Bigger than average
- Rich flavour
- Heavy cropping
Excellent for jams and wine.
6. Bradley’s King
Traditional English damson.
- Strong growth
- Reliable crops
- Classic sharp flavour
Well suited to UK gardens.
7. Crittenden Damson
Compact-growing variety.
- Smaller tree size
- Good fruit quality
- Regular cropping
Good for smaller gardens.
8. Blue Violet
Deep-coloured fruits.
- Dark skin
- Rich, aromatic flesh
- Heavy yields
Excellent for gin.
9. Worcestershire Damson
Old orchard variety.
- Hardy growth
- Strong traditional flavour
- Reliable cropping
Great heritage choice.
10. Early Rivers Damson
Early-ripening type.
- Early harvest
- Good flavour
- Moderate yields
Extends the season.
11. Frogmore Damson
Reliable mid-season variety.
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
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Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
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Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
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Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
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Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
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Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
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Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
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Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
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- Good fruit size
- Strong flavour
- Productive tree
Good for general use.
12. Red Damson
Unusual red-skinned type.
- Attractive colour
- Sharp flavour
- Good cooking quality
Decorative and useful.
13. Prune Damson
Traditional preserving type.
- Firm flesh
- Intense flavour
- Excellent for drying
Ideal for long-term storage uses.
14. Market Damson
Heavy-cropping orchard variety.
- Uniform fruit
- Strong flavour
- Reliable yields
Good for bulk harvesting.
15. Old English Damson
Heritage selection.
- Classic flavour
- Hardy growth
- Long-lived tree
Perfect for traditional gardens.
16. Cheshire Damson
Northern English variety.
- Cold tolerant
- Good fruit quality
- Reliable crops
Excellent for cooler regions.
17. Late Black Damson
Late-ripening type.
- Extended season
- Rich flavour
- Good storage quality
Ideal season extender.
18. Kentish Damson
Local heritage variety.
- Strong growth
- Good yields
- Traditional flavour
Great for regional orchards.
19. Purple Prune Damson
Deep-coloured fruits.
- Very dark skin
- Strong flavour
- Heavy cropping
Excellent for preserves and drinks.
20. Heritage Damson
Traditional open-pollinated type.
- Hardy and reliable
- Strong classic flavour
- Long-term productivity
Ideal for heritage gardens.
Common Problems When Growing Damsons
- Poor fruiting: Frost-damaged blossom
- Small fruits: Lack of thinning or feeding
- Split fruit: Irregular watering
- Pests: Birds near harvest time
Damsons are generally more resilient than plums.
Pruning Tips for Better Harvests
- Prune lightly in summer
- Remove dead or crossing branches
- Maintain open structure
- Avoid heavy winter pruning
Summer pruning reduces disease risk.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
- Harvest when fruits are fully coloured
- Pick carefully to avoid bruising
- Best used soon after picking
- Freeze or preserve surplus fruit
Damsons improve in flavour after cooking.
Nutritional Benefits of Damsons
- High in vitamin C
- Rich in antioxidants
- Good source of fibre
- Low in calories
A nutritious and traditional fruit.
Final Thoughts
Damsons are one of the toughest, most dependable fruit trees you can grow, offering heavy harvests with minimal maintenance. Their bold flavour, reliability, and versatility make them a favourite for gardeners who enjoy preserving and traditional cooking.
Whether you choose classic Shropshire Prune, large-fruited Merryweather, or heritage local varieties, damsons are a long-term investment that reward you year after year with rich, flavour-packed harvests.