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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] and grows in USDA zones 5–9[2]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Blue Damson growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 5–9[2] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowAugust–September[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for plums)[3]
USDA pomological watercolor of Blue Damson plum
Prunus domestica: DamsonUSDA pomological watercolor, Royal Charles Steadman, 1930 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[4]

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.[5]

A year with your Blue Damson

When the work happens for a plum in USDA zone 7, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Plum in zone 7
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest————————
Care——————————

See the full month-by-month plum calendar for zone 7 →

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, starting with this month’s tasks for one tree, free.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Blue Damson need?
Blue Damson needs 800 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Blue Damson?
Blue Damson grows in USDA zones 5–9.
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] Dave Wilson Nursery. Blue Damson — variety specifications — accessed October 2026
  3. [3] 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
  4. [4] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026
  5. [5] Clemson Cooperative Extension (Home & Garden Information Center). Plum (HGIC 1362) — accessed July 2026