damson Merryweather Damson (bare root | SJA root stock | 1.2m)

Position: full sun Soil: will tolerate most soils, except very chalky or badly drained Rate of growth: average Ultimate size on VVA1 rootstock: 3 x 3m (10x10ft) Flowering period: April to May Hardiness: fully hardyLarge fruits, that can be eaten straight from the tree, or used to make crumbles, jams or jellies, appear in good number and can be harvested from late September. Hailing from Nottingham, this damson was first introduced in 1907 - and it's still in demand today. This bush has been grafted onto VVA-1 rootstock, which produces plants that are similar in size to those grafted onto 'Pixy'. Plants grafted onto this rootstock also tend to yield a bigger crop of larger fruit, and have a better winter hardiness. Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Stone fruits like this damson should be pruned in the summer to avoid a disease called silver leaf which enters through cuts. If you prune in late summer, the sap is slowing but is still running fast enough to seal up any wounds. Check and remove any damaged, diseased or broken branches.