Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines are not suitable for espalier-training, but do very well when trained as fans. Apples and pears can also be trained as fans if required, and whilst fans may lack the formal style of espaliers, they are easier to maintain and a bit more productive.
Can you train a plum tree?
There are a wide range of fruits that can be fan-trained, including: Almonds, apples, cherries, figs, gooseberries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and redcurrants.
What is the best tree to espalier?
Apple and pear trees are the traditional espalier subject because their spurs live for years producing fruit (although certain cultivars are better than others) and they have supple, easily trained new growth, but other fruit trees that sometimes are espaliered include fig (Ficus carica), peaches, cherries and
Can any fruit trees be espaliered?
You can try your hand at espaliering any variety of fruit tree, as long as the fruit tree suits your climate, but dwarf or semi-dwarf trees are best for small spaces. Since apple trees are a common choice for espalier, note that spur-bearing apple trees are even better if you want more fruit from your living fence.
Can plum trees be espaliered? – Related Questions
How do you prune espalier plums?
Ongoing care. Espalier fruit trees need to be pruned in summer to restrict their growth. Side growth from the main stems should be cut back to 3 sets of leaves. Shoots pruned in this way last year will have produced side shoots of their own, prune these back to one set of leaves.
How much space do espalier fruit trees need?
To create a joined up line of espaliers, plant trees around 3m apart. Before planting, give the roots a thorough soak, submerging in a bucket of water for at least 10 minutes.
Can you train any apple tree to espalier?
Espalier training is suitable for apples that are spur bearing and on dwarf or semi-dwarfing rootstocks MM106, M26, MM111. These rootstocks are vigorous enough for the tree to grow long branches and reach the correct height, while keeping relatively compact so you don’t have too much pruning to do.
Can you espalier anything?
An espaliered plant can be a fruit tree or ornamental tree or shrub. While most any tree or large shrub can be made into an espalier, the trick is to select a species that will ultimately fit your space and conditions.
Can citrus trees be espaliered?
Citrus Espalier
By selective pruning, the branches of citrus trees can be espaliered, that is, trained to grow flat against a wall or a framework, allowing you to grow fruit in a confined space such as a narrow bed or side yard.
Can I espalier a cherry tree?
Many types of fruit trees can be espaliered, including Apples, Pears, Plums & Cherries. To espalier your fruit tree, cut back the main stem in Spring to about 40cm, leaving three strong buds. In summer, place two canes at a 45 degree angle and tie two of the branches to form the ‘arms’.
Can you espalier a Victoria plum?
As with all stone fruits, Victoria is best trained in a fan or palmette shape – it is not really suitable for espaliers or cordons. Ideally it should be on a south or west-facing wall or fence, but the blossom has some frost-resistance so an east-facing situation is also possible.
Can you espalier peaches?
This espalier system is possibly the most versatile to learn as it can be applied where the horizontal cordon espalier cannot ie – apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, and berry bushes such as blueberries, gogi, currants, citrus and many others.
Can you espalier oranges?
But you might want to try any citrus as an espalier. For example, a Valencia orange would work, lemon trees are popular, as are Kaffir limes, because of the knobbly fruit and the beautiful segmented or double-lobed leaves – it’s a glossy tree in any garden.
Can you espalier grapes?
Small Espaliers and Espalier Bands
Vineyard-style training methods are also very effective for training grapevines against a wall or facade. This technique lends itself particularly well to small trellises, but works great for longer ribbons of greenery at any height.
Can you espalier tomatoes?
When many gardeners think of espalier, they may think of fruit trees, but tomatoes do very well trained in an espalier pattern. Grow the tomato plants in front of a wall. Prune the tomatoes to one central stem and one main stem on each side of the central one. Fix a trellis, wires or used volleyball net to the wall.
Can fig trees be espaliered?
Espalier is a technique for growing plants against a flat, vertical surface. Among the benefits is an abundance of fruit in a relatively small space. The fig is particular good for espaliering because it has flexible branches when young and produces all of that fruit very fast.
Can blueberries be espaliered?
Both shrubby fruit and tree fruit can be espaliered. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and grapes are easily trained to a wire or trellis. Likewise, apples, pears, figs, peaches, plums, cherries, and citrus trees are wonderful in containers or along a wall or fence.