Merryweather question.

[brownfingers]

The only fruit I've grown before this is a Tayberrry, so I know nothing about plum trees.

I bought the tree last year. It's in a really big pot and gets plenty of sun. Last year it only threw leaves, not a glimmer of any flowers. This year, it has thrown lots of flowers, but not a leaf in sight. Is this normal. As regards pruning, with it being a young tree, do I need to do any. According to what I've read, it needs to be done in Spring and again in Summer. It seems a bit silly to me to be pruning and losing flowers and fruit. The tree is quite tidy, so I reckon I could get away without pruning this year, or just take the tips off to keep it tidy. Trouble with that idea is that there are lots of flowers on the tips. Any hints would be greatly appreciated as I would really like to get my gob around my own plums this year.

[Guest]

Firstly Merryweather is a damson (plum family but not plum) I just don't want you to finally get fruit, go to eat one and think they are horrible. They are great for preserves and cooking etc.

I tend to find that Merryweather is late to do anything. I can't think what mine usually does first if it is leaf or blossom, but I am sure you have nothing to worry about. In regards to pruning I would only do it once it has fruited and if it needed it. I know plums are prone to disease usually from pruning at the wrong time and I would have thought damson was the same. I have never pruned mine but my plum I done end of Aug. last year.

[brownfingers]

I thought Merryweather was a plum x damson hybrid?

[Guest]

I thought Merryweather was a plum x damson hybrid?

I have always known it to be a damson. Is there a reason you thought it was a hybrid? I would have thought if it was a hybrid they would have made it more palatable raw I know some sites say it is lovely edible fruit but these seem to be ones trying to sell them - trust me they are sour and hard going if you have never tried them.

[WendyC]

My plum tree is in full flower at the moment and the leaves follow on afterwards. Does this every year. No idea of variety, it's an ornamental one with purple leaves but still produces lovely red plums.

[brownfingers]

It looks like I'm in for a dissappointment if they are not good to eat then. The lablel said they were fruitilicious.

[Guest]

It looks like I'm in for a dissappointment if they are not good to eat then. The lablel said they were fruitilicious.

Oh no. I am sorry. I lied just make sure you are ill when you try them and have no sense of taste

They are great for flavouring booze and stewed/puddings. I would say jam but I seem to end up with damson toffee instead