The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Growing => Fruit => Topic started by: peartreewoodlandsmallholding on February 26, 2017, 10:14:48 pm
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hi guys, anyone have any experience of growing damsons from seed, I know most people will think it takes way too long for fruit etc, but long story short these seeds are quite special to me from a sentimental/nostalgic view, my grandad passed away in 2014, and I went to find the old spot where his smallholding used to be where he grew up as a child, the buildings and house etc are long gone but hedges and a couple of very old fruit trees are still going, one being a big old damson tree, which I collected seeds from and would like to have a go at growing a few, as I've read that damsons will grow true from seed unlike standard plums. I can't find any info on germination times, I assume being a hard seed they will take quite a while to germinate, anyone ever grown any?? Many thanks Chris
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I'm not sure why your searches came up short. All the following sites say much the same.. pre-chill 10-12 weeks in the fridge:
http://www.ehow.com/video_4755302_grow-plum-stones.html (http://www.ehow.com/video_4755302_grow-plum-stones.html)
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/planting-plum-pits.htm (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/planting-plum-pits.htm)
http://www.treeseedonline.com/store/p162/Damson_(prunus_domestica).html (http://www.treeseedonline.com/store/p162/Damson_(prunus_domestica).html)
But I'd also just stick some in a pot outside and stay patient while trying the fridge method but it's been very mild this winter and it's hard to guess the future temps. I'd also suggest you might go back to grandad's tree and punt around in nearby ditches and hedges; you might find one growing already.