Damson

Damsons are tough, reliable, and start fruiting within three to four years on St Julien A rootstock. Most damsons are self-fertile, so a single tree will crop well — Merryweather and Farleigh Damson are good choices. They are hardier than plums and tolerate more exposed sites and poorer soil. The fruit is too astringent to eat raw for most tastes, but damson gin, damson cheese, and damson jam are some of the finest things to come out of a garden. Once established, they crop heavily and consistently.