Getting close to having all the information to draw up the final version of my planting plan:
1. Training cherries on Colt rootstock to a fan:
Quote:Of the four main fruit tree types [apple, pear, plum & cherry] the cherry is undoubtedly the most demanding yet it is also quite versatile in it’s growth which means that with a little thought and imagination it is possible for all of us to enjoy the delights on offer here, no matter what your locality or gardening circumstance might be.
https://www.chrisbowers.co.uk/article/cherry-tree-growing-methods-rootstocks/2.
Quote:Name of rootstock: Colt (semi-vigorous)
Suitable for: Bush, half standard, fans
Start fruiting: After three or four years
Ultimate height as trained as bush: 6m (20ft)
Growing conditions: Many soils tolerated including clay and light, chalky soils
Staking: Permanently
Spacing: 6m (20ft)
The nursery said the height of the tree grown as a tree was 3m—it is TWICE that!
I think I will go back to my initital thought to grow them as a fan—they need permanent staking anyway!
3.
Quote:Colt Rootstock
Colt has been fully tested in this country and has been proved ideal for a wide range of soil types previously too difficult for cherries. Fully establish 8 year old trees have been controlled to 12ft height, and this can be lower with pruning technique. The weight of the fruit and protection netting brings the branches down even lower, and allows picking from the ground. No ladders are needed. Trees on Colt rootstock fruit very early in life, often the first year after planting, and are in full fruit by the 3rd year. In our trials, cherries on Colt have proved far less susceptible to bacterial canker.
I like the “no ladders” bit being inherently lazy and not getting any younger!
More good news:
Quote:Many customers will prefer to restrict the growth of their colt stock cherry tree to 7' or less. This enables them to he grown in the open. The training is very simple and is basically known as 'bending'. The best time to start is in the early spring, just before growth begins. All of the required side branches are tied down to a horizontal level or just below. The centre leader is tied at a sharper angle.
So 2.4-5m high, assume foliage 3m diameter. So can plant at 2.5m spacing in row, 2.5m space between rows. One more deep rip. The cherry trees a bit higher than the espaliered pear trees will go on the south side of rows 4 & 5, they will be less in the shade line of my house.
Phew, now to put my non–existent draughting skills to use!