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Blackthorn questions...

anna.banna.b Posts: 1
edited April 2021 in Fruit & veg
Hello all,

I have three questions that I am wondering about. 

1) can they be trained as a cordon or fan? 

2) can plums pollinate them as I would only be able to plant one but I am planning on having cordon plums, greengages and damsons.

3) what is a good variety to grow as a smallish tree and to harvest sloes?

many thanks :)

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    pansyface said:
    I don’t think that sloes have ever been domesticated. Like all plums they send up suckers.
    I thought the same but just had a quick Google and apparently there are large-fruited cultivars http://www.lubera.co.uk/blog/blackthorn-prunus-spinosa-planting-a-primordial-plum-in-the-garden
    Personally I'd just plant another damson unless you have a specific need for sloes.

    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    @pansyface read my mind.  We have lots of Blackthorn trees locally, all in wonderful bloom at the present.  Most people just find out where their nearest ones are.  It's much easier, no planting/watering/pruning, just picking & drinking!

    Most people know about Sloe Gin, however there is a French liqueur called Epine.  It's made by picking the tiny, fresh new leaves of Blackthorn trees, and soaking them in vodka for a month or so.  It has an almond flavour.  We'll be trying to make this for the first time this year, the new leaves are just coming out now.

    They have lethal thorns, one reason to perhaps not have them in the garden.

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It sounds like a great insult. "You've forgotten your wallet again haven't you, you primordial plum."
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
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