Merryweather Damson Tree

Merryweather Damson Tree

Merryweather Damson is one of the largest damson fruits and is a self-fertile, RHS Award of Garden Merit damson tree with large, plum-sized blue-black fruit and great damson flavour. A historic Nottinghamshire variety introduced in 1907, and an excellent choice for jam, cooking, crumbles, jellies, preserves and damson gin. ^{[1] [2] [3] [6]} It can also be eaten as a dessert damson, but first choice for many is cooking.

The flesh is firm, juicy and yellow-greenish with a rich, acidic damson flavour. It should not be claimed as the single largest damson because King of the Damsons, also known as Bradley’s King, is another strong contender, but Merryweather is safely one of the largest-fruited varieties. ^{[2] [3] [8]}

It is clingstone, so the stone tends to stick to the flesh, but that is normal for this type of fruit and does not reduce its value for cooking, jam or gin. Crops are usually picked around late September. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

At home, ripe damsons are best used within about 5 days or cooked, frozen or preserved. Commercial cold storage is different: under controlled conditions, plums generally can keep for several weeks at around 0°C and high relative humidity, although storage life varies by cultivar, season and handling. ^[9] We appreciate you won't have commercial refrigeration facilities but the point is cooler means longer storage.

Merryweather is self-fertile, so one tree can crop on its own but a nearby plum, gage or damson in a compatible flowering period may still help cropping. You will need one in groups 2, 3 or 4. RHS lists Merryweather in pollination group 3. ^{[1] [5]}

The rootstock of St Julien A means this is not a tiny patio damson. It is a vigorous, spreading garden fruit tree for buyers who have space for a proper garden damson tree. ^{[1] [4] [7]}

The tree is hardy for UK gardens, with RHS giving Merryweather a hardiness rating of H6, around -20°C to -15°C. The tree itself is tough, but blossom can still be damaged by late spring frost, so plant it in a sunny, sheltered position rather than a cold frost pocket. Merryweather also has RHS Plants for Pollinators value, giving the spring blossom extra wildlife benefit. ^{[1] [4]}

Damsons can continue to soften after picking if they are already mature, but they develop their best flavour on the tree. For the richest flavour, pick Merryweather damsons when they are fully coloured and just soft to a gentle squeeze. If picked slightly firm, they can be left at room temperature to finish softening, but very hard, immature fruit will not ripen into the same quality.

Planting Merryweather Damson Tree

Plant Merryweather Damson in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered position is best because damsons crop better where blossom, young fruit and pollinating insects are protected from cold wind. Avoid deep shade, waterlogged ground and cramped corners with poor airflow. ^{[1] [4]}

Allow space for a medium to fairly large tree growing to 5m tall and wide unless you are going to keep the size down with pruning. The bush form is useful where you want lower branches and easier picking. The half-standard form gives a clearer stem and a more formal tree shape, useful where you want to walk, mow or plant beneath the crown. ^[7]

Water well after planting and keep the root area watered during dry spells while the tree establishes. A mulch over the root area helps conserve moisture and reduce weed competition, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk. ^[4]

Pruning Merryweather Damson Tree

Do not winter prune damsons. RHS advises pruning young damsons in early spring after the buds open, and pruning established trees in summer. Correct timing helps reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Keep the centre reasonably open, remove dead, damaged or crossing branches, and avoid heavy unnecessary cutting. ^[4]

Merryweather shows resistance to silver leaf, but it is not immune to normal plum and damson problems. Watch for brown rot, aphids, plum moth and bacterial canker. Remove rotting or mummified fruit rather than leaving it hanging on the tree. ^{[1] [4]}

Interesting Information About Merryweather Damson

Merryweather Damson was raised at Merryweather’s Nurseries in Southwell, Nottinghamshire and introduced in 1907. The National Fruit Collection records that it received an RHS Award of Merit in 1907 and a First Class Certificate in 1913, so it was recognised very soon after introduction. ^[2]

The name appears in different forms, including Damson Merryweather, Merryweather Damson and Prunus insititia ‘Merryweather Damson’. For buyers, the important point is simple: this is the large-fruited Merryweather damson, an old English culinary variety with blue-black fruit, firm flesh and proper damson flavour. ^{[1] [2]}

The fruit is large for a damson, with the National Fruit Collection recording Merryweather fruit at around 25.20g.

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Merryweather Damson Trees

It arrived in good time, in good condition and well packed - a very nice Merryweather tree, now planted. Excellent service. John 0114

Hi Alan, A tree has just arrived and it looks really good. It appears to have no label, but I look forward to it bearing loads of damsons in due course. Many thanks for your service. I am impressed by the quality of both trees and shall plant them in the next two or three days. Have a great weekend. John Sandeman 1013