Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
While the branches are still only partly
woody they can be tied into place. The
branch will respond almost instantly by
trying to grow vertically, uptilting at its ends,
the effect of the apical bud (see page 3).
Where the branch is (gently) tied there will
be a build-up water and nutrients that will
feed the buds in that vicinity and encourage
fruit buds. Allow the ends of the branches to
incline vertically for about 30 cm while you
are aiming to get to the desired length of
mother branch, and then tie them down
again. Growth hardly occurs when a branch
is tied to the horizontal so training has to be
gradual (see Figure 5.16).
(a)
4
2
2
2
3
3
1
1
(b)
As the mother branches are extending they
will start to grow wood shoots (see
Figure 5.17). Pinch these wood shoots out at
the top when they are about 20 cm to 30 cm
long and when they are firmer in two weeks'
or a month's time, they can be cut back to two
leaves/buds from the mother branch. This
will leave a stub of approximately 2 cm to
2.5 cm long.
1
2
2
3
3
Figure 5.16
Gently tie down the growth that will form the
mother branches (1). Pinch out the top of new growth
when the wood shoot is 20 cm to 30 cm long (2). When
the wood is firmer in two weeks time prune to two
leaves/buds from the mother branch (3). Prune to a bud
that is growing in the direction required to produce the
next tier of mother branches (4).
These stubs will form the basis of future
fruiting wood that will no doubt adorn the
entire length of branch and make your
espalier the envy of the neighbourhood!
2
Different fruits produce on different wood so
the next step depends on what fruit you are
trying to grow.
3
Apples,pearsandEuropeanplums,sweet
cherry
These fruits bear on spurs; knobbly
outgrowths (see Figure 5.18).
3
This talent makes them the easiest of fruit
trees to espalier. Having cut your wood shoot
Figure 5.17
Pinch these wood shoots out at the top, then
lower in a few weeks time.
