Merryweather stands out as one of the most extensively cultivated damson varieties, renowned for its ease of cultivation and its ability to yield abundant harvests of the classic damson-flavored fruit.
Despite its widespread popularity, some experts raise questions about Merryweather's classification as a true damson due to its numerous plum-like characteristics. H.V. Taylor, in his authoritative work "The Plums of England," categorized it as a hybrid between a damson and a plum. However, he went on to express that, in his opinion, Merryweather was likely the finest damson variety for gardeners.
In terms of damson standards, the fruit of Merryweather is notably large, resembling a small plum. Its growth pattern also aligns more with a plum, displaying a spreading habit rather than the typical vertical stance often observed in damsons. Additionally, Merryweather bears fruit earlier in its life compared to most damsons. Surprisingly for a damson, the fruit can be consumed fresh when left to ripen on the tree, although its true culinary prowess shines in the kitchen, where it proves to be one of the most versatile fruits.
Despite the ongoing debate about its lineage, Merryweather can be unequivocally categorized as a true damson due to its distinctive astringent flavor, a hallmark of damsons. Notably hardy, even by damson standards, Merryweather thrives in challenging conditions, making it a robust and resilient tree.
Despite its widespread popularity, some experts raise questions about Merryweather's classification as a true damson due to its numerous plum-like characteristics. H.V. Taylor, in his authoritative work "The Plums of England," categorized it as a hybrid between a damson and a plum. However, he went on to express that, in his opinion, Merryweather was likely the finest damson variety for gardeners.
In terms of damson standards, the fruit of Merryweather is notably large, resembling a small plum. Its growth pattern also aligns more with a plum, displaying a spreading habit rather than the typical vertical stance often observed in damsons. Additionally, Merryweather bears fruit earlier in its life compared to most damsons. Surprisingly for a damson, the fruit can be consumed fresh when left to ripen on the tree, although its true culinary prowess shines in the kitchen, where it proves to be one of the most versatile fruits.
Despite the ongoing debate about its lineage, Merryweather can be unequivocally categorized as a true damson due to its distinctive astringent flavor, a hallmark of damsons. Notably hardy, even by damson standards, Merryweather thrives in challenging conditions, making it a robust and resilient tree.
Fruit Ready to Pick: Sep
Merryweather stands out as one of the most extensively cultivated damson varieties, renowned for its ease of cultivation and its ability to yield abundant harvests of the classic damson-flavored fruit.
Despite its widespread popularity, some experts raise questions about Merryweather's classification as a true damson due to its numerous plum-like characteristics. H.V. Taylor, in his authoritative work "The Plums of England," categorized it as a hybrid between a damson and a plum. However, he went on to express that, in his opinion, Merryweather was likely the finest damson variety for gardeners.
In terms of damson standards, the fruit of Merryweather is notably large, resembling a small plum. Its growth pattern also aligns more with a plum, displaying a spreading habit rather than the typical vertical stance often observed in damsons. Additionally, Merryweather bears fruit earlier in its life compared to most damsons. Surprisingly for a damson, the fruit can be consumed fresh when left to ripen on the tree, although its true culinary prowess shines in the kitchen, where it proves to be one of the most versatile fruits.
Despite the ongoing debate about its lineage, Merryweather can be unequivocally categorized as a true damson due to its distinctive astringent flavor, a hallmark of damsons. Notably hardy, even by damson standards, Merryweather thrives in challenging conditions, making it a robust and resilient tree.
Despite its widespread popularity, some experts raise questions about Merryweather's classification as a true damson due to its numerous plum-like characteristics. H.V. Taylor, in his authoritative work "The Plums of England," categorized it as a hybrid between a damson and a plum. However, he went on to express that, in his opinion, Merryweather was likely the finest damson variety for gardeners.
In terms of damson standards, the fruit of Merryweather is notably large, resembling a small plum. Its growth pattern also aligns more with a plum, displaying a spreading habit rather than the typical vertical stance often observed in damsons. Additionally, Merryweather bears fruit earlier in its life compared to most damsons. Surprisingly for a damson, the fruit can be consumed fresh when left to ripen on the tree, although its true culinary prowess shines in the kitchen, where it proves to be one of the most versatile fruits.
Despite the ongoing debate about its lineage, Merryweather can be unequivocally categorized as a true damson due to its distinctive astringent flavor, a hallmark of damsons. Notably hardy, even by damson standards, Merryweather thrives in challenging conditions, making it a robust and resilient tree.
Fruit Ready to Pick: Sep
Water Needs / Maintence
Moderate/ Moderate
Spaced Apart
3.6-6.4m (12-15ft)
Pollination Group
2
Overall Height
3.6 - 4.5m (12-15ft)
Species
Prunus insititia
Root Stock
Fruits ready to be picked
Sep
