Damson Farleigh

Found as a wild seedling in Kent about 1820, culinary Damson Farleigh is nevertheless extremely hardy and reliable in the colder and wetter parts of Ireland. The fruit is small, oval, and blue-black with a heavy bluish bloom; the flesh is yellow, dry and firm, with a rich, tart, damson flavour, perfect for cooking and jam-making (try cracking the stones and including the kernels!) The tree is compact and dense, moderately vigorous, reliable, and a heavy cropper. Suitable for fruiting or informal hedges. Good disease resistance, especially to silver-leaf disease, and good frost resistance. A good choice for organic growers. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any reasonably well drained
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Pick: Mid-September
Keep: Keeps for about a week
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Partially self-fertile. Pollination Group 3
Uses: Cooking, preserving

Learn more about fruit tree rootstocks