Blackthorn (Sloe)

[Puffin77]

Is there a reason for the shortage of berries (sloes) on the Blackthorn bushes on the South Downs this year. Last year was a wonderful crop but this year there seems to be very few immature fruits. Is it the same in other areas?

[terambulan]

Isn't it a bit early for them? There's still blossom on trees.

What do u do with sloes?

[garner]

You can make sloe gin......fabulous with bitter lemon known as a peddler.Its a great drink.

[burnhal]

Dear me.... blackthorn blooms as early as March so whatever blooms people are seeing are certainly not blackthorn!
Anyhow- fruits need pollination- in the blackthorns case by early insects. How were the blackthorn flowers on the South Downs? As many as usual? If so can you remember what the weather was like when it was out? Was it damaged by high winds or torrential rain? Certainly in my neck of the woods- bedfordshire- there seems to be just as many immature sloes as per normal.

[Kleiber]

Don't know why, but up here in Wales we seem to get a good year followed by a barren one. Last year was excellent, this year, zilch!! (There was plenty blossom, but now no fruit) Seems to happen with damsons & plums, too. K