I have a little Blackthorn bush
Nothing does it bear
Just a load of leaves
and thorns that get everywhere.
Nothing does it bear
Just a load of leaves
and thorns that get everywhere.
Which is a bit unhelpful, given that it was planted expressly to produce sloes for sloe gin. Five years it's been in and, to date, zero sloes. I've been muttering, in it's earshot, about digging it out.
And what do I find today?
Lo, a sloe; well, two actually in this shot and a further 6 elsewhere.Now 8 sloes ain't gonna make much sloe gin, perhaps one shot, but you have to admit it's a start. They've gone to join the blackberry and apple vodka which is maturing for Xmas.
12 comments:
Does it flower and just not set fruit of not even flower?
It usually manages to flower, although not very prolifically, but this is the first year I've seen actual sloes. Perhaps it's just girding it's loins for a bumper year next year?
I wonder as it flowers early whether the frosts are to blame then
Hmm, could be, although the wild ones don't seem to have the same problem. I'll watch it carefully next year!
I've always believed that you've got to keep your plants worried - seems like it's worked with your blackthorn too!
I've been out this week picking sloes. It has been the best year ever where I live. I have 4 bottles of sloe gin so far - and more in the pipeline!
Come and work your magic up here!!
It's a start though, I must admit they were everywhere when I went out picking last month. Sloe gin, my favourite!
Thanks Damo, just what I need to hear!!
Hello! I just popped over here from Nutty Gnome.
Hate to say this but my sloes have had their best year ever too. However - this only applies to the bit of the hedge that gets full sun - I don't get flowers or fruit from the bit under the apple trees that lacerate my arms every time I want to keep the doctor away. Could it be a matter of location?
Hi Brokenbiro. Well, in truth my sloes have had their best year ever too; it's just that 8 sloes versus zero previously ain't that good!!
I don't think the problem can be location because it is in full sun (on a south-facing slope). I shall try to cherish it this winter and see what happens.
Aside, I love your blog. Fabulous.
Darn! There goes that theory! Maybe they just take a long time to establish?
(and ta for your kind comment!)
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