The desire for your own fruit is great, but the right piece of garden for your roots isn't there. Some people still don't want to give up the dream of having their own tree. The project should be successful with espalier training and a large pot.
Can you grow espalier fruit in a container and how does it work?
Growing espalier fruit in containers is possible by choosing small-growing varieties such as apple trees, training them in a U-shape and planting them in large, wide containers with drainage holes and a drainage layer. However, care is more intensive as regular cutting, watering and winter protection are required.
Growing in a container
It is entirely possible to grow espaliered fruit in a container. However, it should not be forgotten how much this existence demands from the tree. Instead of becoming a state tree with a round crown, it has to contend with all sorts of restrictions. Therefore, at least the following points should be taken into account:
- choose very small espalier fruit varieties
- for example so-called columnar trees
- the shallow-rooted apple tree is optimal
- Trellis training as a U-shape
- choose a large, wide bucket
- there should be plenty of drainage holes
- create a drainage layer
Care challenge
Espaliered fruit in a pot requires more care than espaliered fruit outdoors. In both types of cultivation, the fruit must be shaped with regular cutting and secured to a supporting structure. But fruit trees in pots also need to be regularly supplied with water on warm days.
The cold of winter also affects the roots in the pot and they must be specifically protected. For example, by burying the bucket in the ground for the cold season. After a few years the tree has to be repotted, which is not always easy.
