Damson query

[northepaul]

Hi all
I do seem to remember FB giving out general advice about rootstocks for fruit trees but I cant find the relevant thread through search.
Anyways
I have two shropshire damsons - one planted in the ground on St Julian A. Chosen after reading some advice about the poor ground (which I have) effecting trees with Pixy rootstocks. The other is in a large container with pixy rootstock. (It was a gift) The one in the container is thriving - flowering, branching, with loads of leaf buds. The other one in the ground, although its doing ok, is only now just starting the bud with leaves (or blossom??)

Is this difference due soley to the different rootstock, or could their be other factors (such as soil etc) that would make them come back to life at different times?
One of the good points, I thought of having two (other than lots of damsons!) is that they would be able to cross pollinate, therefore giving a stronger crop. Is this likely?
Thanks for your help

[JimmerG]

northepaul,

I suspect it'll be something to do with the soil, if the soil in the container is newish compost, it may well be more nutritious than your garden soil. Also being in a container the soil will heat up quicker as the weather warms. The soil in you garden will take a lot longer to get going. My Damson (in the soil in the garden) has JUST burst into flower.

I'm afraid I don't know how the root stock will affect things. Other than the Pixy has smaller roots than the other

So long as you give them both a bit of a mulch and a bit of feed they be fine - I think it's potassium they need now to help set flowers and fruits, so tomato feed will be perfect.

J

[FB.]

Different rootstocks can affect when they come out of dormancy. As will the variety grafted on top.
Containerised plant roots warm much faster in the spring than those in the cold ground. So it would not surprise me to see the containerised plants leafing-out first.
Container plants also tend to be put in warm sunny spots (such as a patio). The extra shelter and warmth will hasten their leafing-out.

I wouldn't worry about it.
My Victoria/St.JA looks like it will flower very late this year. It is normally my first fruit tree to flower, but this year, the pears and possibly some of the apples will flower before the plum! Unheard of! But probably due to the cold winter.