Anyone had experience with Column Fruit Trees?

AuntyRach

My Mum-in-law has her eye on potted column fruit trees. I was wondering if they are any good? 



I was a bit suspicious as the pics looked fake.

purplerallim

They are, you never get that many. I would be happy with 5 apples on that size plant.🙄🙂

Singing Gardener

I agree that the pictures look optimistic but columnar fruit trees can be rewarding. I have some (apples and pears) about 6 foot tall and they produce a good crop. They need careful pruning to keep their columnar shape though or they'll just revert to being ordinary trees.

AuntyRach

Thank you both. I’ll have a read-up and see what I can find too. 

Mr. Vine Eye

I've just started growing cordon fruit trees - which is basically the same thing.

I bought some cheap fruit trees from Aldi and B&M, then planted them at an angle against our fence. Pruned any side branches back to a few buds and cut back the central leader.

Ive put wires across the fence with bamboo canes attached at 45 degrees to tie the leaders to when they start growing.

Had a look yesterday and they're already leafing out which is exciting. The plum tree had a single flower on it too which was a surprise. Shame it's pointing towards the fence!

You can grow cordon apples or pears in a large pot if you get a dwarfing rootstock and you can then grow them vertically as single columns, or train them as double or quadruple (like a candelabra) 

Its much more fun and rewarding to train them yourself. I've got an espalier Apple tree that will be making its second tier of branches this year. It's exciting!

AuntyRach

That sounds brilliant @Mr. Vine Eye... might suggest we try something like that. Thanks.