[Chiswickian]

I planted a damson ' Merryweather' tree early last year and was surprised to see about 8 ripe fruit on it already. They were clearly ripe so I hazarded eating one expecting it to be really sharp as damsons are supposed to be. But it was sweet. So I ate another - also sweet, then another etc. I am beginning to think I have been sold a plum in error. They look like damsons  in terms of the bloom on the purple skins but are much bigger than a normal damson. And surely it's too early for a damson to ripen?

Before I email T and M (who sold me the tree), does anyone else grow it and what is your experience?

TIA

Ian

[Lardman]

My damsons are weeks away from being ripe, and even when they are I don't think Id say they were sweet.

Any pictures to help or ? Tree, leaf and fruit. Im sure someone here will be able to tell you for sure but doesn't sound like a damson to me.

[mumofstig]

sounds like a plum if the fruit is big and sweet

[8doubles]

Damsons do get sweet when ripe and the size may be due to the small number of fruit.
Was the stone still small ?
Whatever it is it`s still  early for ripe fruit.

[Chiswickian]

I seem to recall that the stone was quite small - but larger than the stones in the damsons that I buy at the greengrocer in September. What really puzzles me is that they are ripe so early. It has been warm here but not that warm!

[Mosslane]

Our damsons are just green small and cherry size at the moment, don't remember them ripening much before September.

[mumofstig]

the blurb does say large fruit and ripe in August
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/fruit1/product/cww3220/1.html

 I'm comparing it with wild damsons from the hedgerow which may be pointless

[Chiswickian]

the blurb does say large fruit and ripe in August

Mum it says late August. Its July 17th!!

BUT they look very much like that (which made me doubt that they are not damsons) but taste like a plum not a damson

[Chiswickian]

I have left a few fruit on the tree for an allotment chum to sample tomorrow as a second opinion! I will report back but in the meantime if there any other Merryweather growers who can contribute that would be much appreciated
Ian