CORDON FRUIT TREES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20586, 8 December 1928, Page 7

CORDON FRUIT TREES.

A cordon is a tree trained with one, two, or three main stems, furnished with fruit spurs, but no side or lateral branches. Tie first is known as the single cordon; the second as the duplex cordon; and the third as the triple cordon. The nrst form is the most popular one for general cultivation, and the one most, useful for .small gardens. There is hardly a garden so small in which this system of fruit culture caniiot be practised, if not with pears and apples, then with currants and gooseberries. Full exposure to light or sun is essential, however. , *

The single cordon is admirably adapted for .cultivation against ordinary boundary walls or fences averaging four to eight feet in height. Cordon apples, pears, -plums,' or cherries arc usually planted two feet apart and at an angle of 45 degrees. Gooseberries and red or white currants are planted IS inches apart and in a..vertical manner, or as advised for apples and pears. /The object of planting at an angle of 45 degrees is to ensure the more even distribution of the sap. to all the fruit spurs. If planted vertically, apples, pears, plums, and cherries are, apt to make a too vigorous growth at their apices, and thus starve the Tower spurs of food. Another advantage in growing cordons is, you are able to grow a larger number pf varieties ,in a. limited space tUan is ’possible if espalier or fan-trained trees are_ grown; again, their growth can be easily kept undcY control. I