Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
1.2 m
60 cm
90 cm
30 cm
60 cm
30 cm
Figure 6.15
Prune back the branches to 30 cm above the
graft at planting.
Figure 6.17
In the tree's second winter, prune back the
branches 90 cm above the graft; that is, 30 cm above the
last cut. Don't even think about what fruiting growth you
might be removing. Now is the time to establish a
framework, the fruit will be abundant once the
foundations for it are laid.
60 cm
1.2 m
30 cm
90 cm
60 cm
30 cm
Figure 6.16
At the end of the next growing season it
should look something like this.
early in life and produce the wonderful fruit
responsible for Black Forest Cake and cherry
vodka. Not as popular with the birds as the
sweet cherry; they do, however, need netting.
An effective fan espalier, the sour cherry is
also suitable for training as an open vase, or a
bush/standard or Spanish bush (see page
126, 'Free-standing fruit trees').
Figure 6.18
Next winter trim back the branches to 30 cm
above last years cut. This should make the tree 1.2 m
high. By the end of the next growing season the 'bush'
should have 15 to 25 branches. Each subsequent year
remove one old branch from its base.
Prune after harvest to thin overcrowded
shoots, and in winter to promote growth if
desired.
Pruningtime
Sour cherries get few pruning-induced
diseases so pruning time is a matter of choice.
Fruitingwood
Fruit is borne on two-year-old shoots rather
than the classic upright spurs of sweet
