Sweet cherries and sour cherries have different aromas. The trees also develop differently. Therefore, species-specific challenges must be overcome when cultivating them as espalier fruit. It's possible, but neither of them is the ideal espalier fruit.
Can you grow cherries as espalier fruit?
Sweet cherries can be grown as espalier fruit, but require severe pruning and frequent cutting. Sour cherries are less suitable for espaliers, but can be grown on house walls to increase yields in harsh climates.
Sweet cherry as espalier fruit
Theoretically, the sweet cherry can be grown as an espalier fruit. The reason why this is not recommended in practice has to do with their fast growth. What sounds positive at first actually means a lot of work for its owner.
- Cherry tree needs to be cut back heavily
- otherwise the espalier shape will quickly get out of shape
- The scissors have to be used up to three times per summer
If this work doesn't put you off and cherries are one of your favorite fruits, nothing stands in the way of successful espalier fruit training. Buy a cherry variety with a weakly growing rootstock, such as “Gisela”. This reduces the cutting work to a tolerable level.
Tip
Cherries need another pollinator variety in the surrounding area, otherwise a rich harvest remains just a pipe dream.
Sour cherry as a trellis
The sour cherry has short-lived fruit wood and is therefore not a good type of fruit for a trellis. There is a good reason why it is occasionally trained as such: in areas with a harsh climate, this is the only way to achieve a satisfactory fruit yield. To do this, however, the sour cherry must grow on a house wall where it can benefit from the heat radiated.
A sour cherry tree can best be grown as a free fan without a central shoot. Other espalier forms are unsuitable for them.
Buy a suitable tree
It is best to buy trees directly from a tree nursery. Although they are a little more expensive than some online shipping options, you can choose the tree yourself. For example, it is advantageous if the cherry tree has a short, strong trunk.
Varieties suitable for espaliering are often sold as a bush rather than a tree. Let the sales staff know your plan; they will know from experience which tree best meets the espalier requirements.
