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Plum variety

Blue Damson

Also known as Damson, Blue Damson Plum

The short answer

Blue Damson requires 800 chill hours[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Blue Damson growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessNot published for this variety
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowAugust–September[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[2]
USDA pomological watercolor of Blue Damson plum
Prunus domestica: DamsonUSDA pomological watercolor, Royal Charles Steadman, 1930 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • Damson-type European plum; small, tart fruit that is self-fruitful and classic for jams, jellies and preserves.[1]
  • Plums can be eaten fresh or made into jellies, jams and juices.[4]

A year with your Blue Damson

When the work happens for a plum in USDA zone 6, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Plum in zone 6
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Thin———————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest————————
Care———————————

See the full month-by-month plum calendar for zone 6 →

Can I grow Blue Damson where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Blue Damson? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Blue Damson need?
Blue Damson needs 800 chill hours.
Is Blue Damson self-pollinating?
Blue Damson is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Blue Damson Plum — DWN Variety Finder — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] Clemson Cooperative Extension (Home & Garden Information Center). Plum (HGIC 1362) — accessed July 2026