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Sloe bushes

Sally.messettSally.messett Posts: 4
in Problem solving
I brought 3 Sloe bushes last year and have had no blossom on them this year so no berries. How long does it take for the bushes to produce berries? Many thanks 

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    It depends on what size they are, where they are planted and the conditions in which they are growing. Have you any more information?
  • Sally.messettSally.messett Posts: 4
    Many thanks for your response. They are in 3 separate pots in a very sunny position by my pond.  They look healthy but very twiggy and have lots of leaves. I think they were young plants when I got them. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Hello, Sally. I have not heard of growing them in containers but as long as they look happy, they probably just need more time. They spread by suckers so you may need big pots.
  • Sally.messettSally.messett Posts: 4
    Thank you. I am a little impatient this year expecting lots to happen!! They are probably still young and need to mature.  :)
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    They grow to about 2.5 metres in the wild. I expect yours are a bit smaller! Good luck.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    @Sally.messett  Our allotment is bordered by sloe trees.  They are quite a bit bigger than 2.5 metres.  If you are growing them for fruit, then they would be better off in the ground, with plenty of space between them (and I am thinking of a couple of metres or more).  You could prune them to keep them as smaller shrubs, but you will get less fruit.  
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I have a blackthorn hedge, and I keep it quite tight, and at about five foot in height. It still gets plenty of flowers and fruits, but yours will take a couple of years to produce anything. 
    You'll need sizeable pots too, as the whips grow, if they're to be productive.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Sally.messettSally.messett Posts: 4
    Thank you @KeenOnGreen and @Fairygirl for your advice. I’ll have to find a spot in the garden. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Sally.messett said:
    Thank you @KeenOnGreen and @Fairygirl for your advice. I’ll have to find a spot in the garden. 
    They sucker like mad .... just letting you know  ;)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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