How to Plant Cordon Fruit Trees

Cordon fruit trees are a type of fruit tree that can be easily trained to grow in a small, vertical space. They are ideal for small gardens or for those who want to grow fruit trees in pots. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant cordon fruit trees.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tree

Before you begin planting, choose a variety of fruit tree that is suitable for growing as a cordon. Popular choices include apples, pears, and plums. Look for a young tree with a straight trunk and healthy, green leaves.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Cordon fruit trees require full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It's also important to ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause the tree to become waterlogged and root rot. If planting in a pot, ensure you use a good quality potting mix that is specifically designed for fruit trees.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Prepare the planting area by digging a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tree. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, mix in some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the drainage and nutrient content of the soil.

Step 4: Plant the Tree

If planting against a wall or fence, fix a horizontal support wire to the wall at the height you want the cordon to start, then attach the tree to the wire. If planting free-standing, insert a stake into the ground and attach the tree to the stake with a soft tie, leaving enough space for the tree to grow.

Next, carefully remove the tree from its container or wrapping, and place it in the hole. The tree should be planted so that soil level is just below the graft union, which is where the fruiting variety is attached to the rootstock. Fill in the hole with soil, firming it down gently with your foot.

Step 5: Prune the Tree

Pruning is essential to ensure the tree grows in the desired form. After planting, cut the top of the tree to a single bud, leaving a stem of around 60cm. Then, select three or four strong shoots from the stem and tie them to the support wire or stake, spreading them out evenly along the wire so they are around 30cm apart. Remove any other shoots that emerge from the stem.

Step 6: Water and Mulch

Water the tree immediately after planting, making sure the soil is thoroughly moistened. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Step 7: Care for the Tree

It's important to continue caring for cordon fruit trees after planting. Water the tree regularly, particularly during hot, dry weather, and feed it with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season. Check the tree regularly for signs of pests and diseases, and take action promptly if any are detected.

With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fruit from your cordon fruit tree for many years to come!