How to Grow Damson Plum 'Bradley's King'
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Damson Plum 'Bradley's King'
Prunus domestica subsp. insititia 'Bradley's King'
treeBradley's King is a damson plum cultivar known for its small, dark purple fruits with distinctive tart flavor ideal for preserves and cooking. This hardy, self-fertile variety produces abundant crops and is particularly valued in UK orchards for jam and jelly production. The tree grows to moderate height with a spreading habit and attractive white spring blossoms.
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Example Damson Plum 'Bradley's King' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Damson Plum 'Bradley's King'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Damson Plum 'Bradley's King'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-8; can survive zone 5b with winter protection
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Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root development and branch framework; minimal fruiting in first 1-2 years
Stake tree for support. Prune to develop strong central leader or open-center vase shape. Water regularly. Apply mulch around base, keeping 6 inches clear of trunk.
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite flowers appear on spurs in early spring (March-April in UK) before leaves fully emerge
Self-fertile variety, but cross-pollination improves yields. Protect flowers from late frost with frost cloth if needed. Do not prune during flowering.
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits develop from flowers, gradually expanding to marble-sized plums
Thin fruits to 2-3 inches apart in late May/June to allow larger individual fruits and reduce biennial bearing. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent fruit crack.
Ripening & Harvest
3-4 weeksFruits darken from green to deep purple-black, reaching full color by late August to September
Fruits maintain good acidity even when fully ripe. Can harvest slightly early for cooking, or leave on tree for maximum sweetness. Protect from wasps and birds with netting if desired.
Dormancy
4-5 monthsTree loses leaves in autumn; enters winter rest period with buds set for next spring
Prune in late winter (January-February) to remove crossing branches, dead wood, and open up canopy. Thin crowded branches to improve air circulation and reduce disease.
Common Pests
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Pheromone traps in spring; prune out infested young fruits; encourage natural predators with hedgerows
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Pheromone disruption traps; remove fallen fruit promptly; band tree trunk in early summer to trap larvae
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Remove mummified fruits and twigs; improve air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or copper fungicide in spring if history of infection
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Prune only in dry weather (May-August); sterilize tools between cuts; remove infected branches immediately; paint large wounds with wound sealant
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Use fruit netting in late summer; remove damaged/fermenting fruits promptly to reduce wasp attraction
Uses
Preserves & Jams
CulinaryBradley's King damsons are classic for making damson jam, jelly, and cheese due to their high pectin content and distinctive tart flavor. The small fruits require less preparation than larger plum varieties. [source]
Cooking & Baking
CulinaryUse in pies, crumbles, tarts, and stewed fruits where tartness is desired. Can be made into damson gin, a traditional British preserve. [source]
Digestive Aid
MedicinalDamson plums have traditional use as a gentle laxative due to their fiber and sorbitol content. Often taken as cooked fruit or preserved form. [source]
Dye Production
HouseholdDamson fruit and leaves have historically been used to create purple and blue dyes for textiles, producing rich natural colors. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeSpring blossoms attract honeybees and native pollinators; autumn fruits feed birds and small mammals, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Damsons ripen from late August through September (UK). Pick fruits when fully dark purple for best flavor and cooking properties. Harvest by hand for preserves, or allow fruits to fall naturally (place netting below tree) for easier collection. Fruits store 1-2 weeks in cool conditions; can be frozen for longer storage. Damson's high pectin content makes them ideal for jam without additional pectin.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bradley's King is named after the enthusiast who selected this superior clone, and it's particularly celebrated in West country UK orchards where damson growing is a heritage tradition.
- 🌱 Damson plums have been cultivated since Roman times, with evidence suggesting they originated in Damascus (hence 'damson'), and were brought to Britain by the Normans.
- 🌱 Damson fruit is so acidic that it can be left on the tree well into autumn without spoiling, sometimes harvested after the first frost when sugar content peaks.
Gardening Terms
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