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How to Grow Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons'

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Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons'

Prunus domestica subsp. insititia 'King of the Damsons'

fruit

A damson plum cultivar known for producing abundant small, dark purple fruits with a distinctive tart flavor ideal for preserves and cooking. This variety is a self-fertile European plum that grows as a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching 15-20 feet in height. 'King of the Damsons' is prized by home gardeners for its heavy yields, cold hardiness, and ornamental spring blossoms.

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Example Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Damson Plum 'King of the Damsons' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Regular watering during establishment (first 2-3 years); moderate water needs once mature. Provide 1-1.5 inches weekly during fruiting season and dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.
📏
Spacing: 240 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 2-3 years to first fruiting, full production at 4-5 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant bare-root trees at same depth as previously grown; container trees at root ball depth

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost at planting Mulch layer (3-4 inches) Balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Year 1-2)

2 years

Young tree focuses on root development and framework growth. Minimal flowering; tree grows 12-24 inches annually.

Water consistently, apply mulch, prune to develop central leader or open vase form. Remove any flower buds to encourage vegetative growth.

2

Flowering (Spring, Year 2+)

2-3 weeks

Tree produces abundant white or pale pink flowers on previous year's wood, typically in April-May depending on zone.

Protect blossoms from late frosts if possible. Ensure adequate pollination through bee activity or gentle hand-pollination. Thin dense flower clusters if desired.

3

Fruit Development (May-July)

6-8 weeks

Small green fruits form and gradually enlarge. Fruits are initially green, then begin darkening to dark purple in mid-summer.

Thin fruits to 2-3 inches apart for optimal size and quality. Water consistently during this period. Fertilize lightly if growth appears weak.

4

Ripening (July-August)

3-4 weeks

Fruits achieve full dark purple color with characteristic bloom (white waxy coating). Flavor peaks when fully ripe and slightly soft to gentle pressure.

Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars. Monitor for pest/disease activity. Ensure tree has adequate support if heavily laden.

5

Harvest & Dormancy (August-October)

2-3 months

Fruits ripen over extended period; tree gradually sheds leaves in fall. Tree enters dormancy by late October.

Harvest ripe fruits regularly. Prune tree lightly after harvest if needed. Prepare tree for winter dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Borage Chives Comfrey Tansy Yarrow Fennel

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage Brassicas Potatoes Tomatoes Black walnut

Common Pests

  • Remove fallen fruit daily, apply kaolin clay spray, use pheromone traps, prune infected branches

  • Spray with spinosad or neem oil post-bloom, remove fallen fruits, cultivate soil to expose pupae

  • Prune affected branches, thin fruits for air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or copper fungicide

  • Prune infected branches 12 inches below knot, burn or dispose of prunings, apply dormant oil spray

  • Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage natural predators

Uses

🍳

Preserves & Jam Making

Culinary

Damsons are renowned for jam, jelly, and preserve production due to their natural pectin content and tart flavor. A single tree can yield enough fruit for many jars of traditional damson cheese or gin. [source]

🍳

Cooking & Desserts

Culinary

The tart, complex flavor makes damsons ideal for pies, crumbles, compotes, and sauces. They pair excellently with duck, pork, and game dishes. [source]

🏠

Damson Gin & Liqueurs

Household

A traditional English preparation where damsons are steeped in gin with sugar to create a warming liqueur. This has been made for centuries and remains a popular home production. [source]

💊

Digestive & Laxative Support

Medicinal

Damsons contain sorbitol and fiber, historically used to support gentle digestive function. The fruit has been used in traditional remedies for centuries. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Wildlife Support

Wildlife

Spring blossoms provide early nectar for bees; mature fruits feed birds and small mammals, supporting biodiversity in gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest damsons when fully dark purple and slightly soft; fruits do not ripen significantly after picking. Pick every 2-3 days at peak ripeness. Fruits are best used fresh or for preserves within a few days of harvest. Can be gently shaken onto tarps for easier collection. Late August to early September is typical harvest window in most zones.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'King of the Damsons' and other damson cultivars are believed to originate from Damascus, Syria—hence the name 'damson'—and were brought to Europe by the Romans.
  • 🌱 Damson plums have naturally high pectin levels, making them one of the few fruits that can reliably set jam without additional pectin, a quality that has made them beloved by preservers for generations.
  • 🌱 A mature damson tree can produce 40-50+ pounds of fruit annually, and some exceptional specimens over 100 years old still thrive in English country gardens, demonstrating remarkable longevity.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Pollination
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