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A
cordon is a single stem tree with pruned side shoots (known as fruiting
spurs). The tree is planted at an angle of 45 degrees to restrict its
size and ensure that it produces apples early in its life. They are
relatively easy to prune and occupy very little space for the crop of
apples produced. However, they do require some preparation beforehand, to ensure that the necessary
supports are in place.
The cordons will need three wires (25mm 1/10in) along their length to
support them (see wires in picture above). These should be supported at
either end by strong posts. The heights of the wires should be 60cm
(2ft), 1.2m (4ft) and 1.8m (6ft). For each cordon tree (allow 75cm / 2ft
6in between each tree), fix a 2.4m (8ft) long bamboo cane to the wires
at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. After planting the cordon at a 45 degree angle, secure it to the bamboo cane
with ties which should be checked every few months to ensure they are
not cutting into the stem. All side shoots longer than 10cm (4in)
should be pruned immediately after the third bud. The main stem of the tree should only be pruned when it reaches the space
available. As the tree matures, it will gradually cease to produce new
growth each summer, easing the task of pruning. However, take care that
the tree does not become congested (remove some side shoots in December if this is the case), and remove any diseased wood as soon as it is noticed. |
When buying a cordon, make sure you either buy a one year old tree
(known as a maiden) which can be trained to the correct shape, or that
you buy a two or three year tree which has been trained as a cordon.
This article begins with the pruning and care required for a one year
old tree which has been purchased in November to January.
The
cordon should be placed in the soil, with the joint between
rootstock and scion above ground and with the scion uppermost - if
planted with the scion on the lower side, there is a risk that the stem
will break. See the diagram on the right.
Cordons
need to pruned annually around
mid August. The tree is ready for pruning when the side shoots from the
main stem begin to develop woody stems at their base. Shorten all side
shoots from the main stem to three leaves above the cluster of leaves at
the base of the shoot - see the diagram to the left. Where a side shoot
from the main stem has a side shoot coming of it, prune this to one leaf
above the cluster of leaves at the joint of the two side shoots.
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VEGETABLE PLANNER |
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