How old should a tree be to start training?
- Lauren
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How old should a tree be to start training? was created by Lauren
Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14408
I have grown three apricots from seed. They are currently about two months old and a foot high. The roots are already growing out the bottom of the 1 gallon pots I have them in.
All the information I have seen indicates that I should wait two to five years to start training, but by that time (five years) they'll be full sized trees and bearing fruit.
Can anyone give me guidelines on signs of anatomical (rather than age) readiness for training?
All the information I have seen indicates that I should wait two to five years to start training, but by that time (five years) they'll be full sized trees and bearing fruit.
Can anyone give me guidelines on signs of anatomical (rather than age) readiness for training?
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Replied by bob on topic How old should a tree be to start training?
Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14409
by five years, i think they would not be full sized as they also would need to grow in terms of radius of the trunk. you can start training whenever in my opinion but in order to thicken the trunk you would benefit from planting in the ground for five years or so.
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Replied by Lauren on topic How old should a tree be to start training?
Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14411
We've grown apricots from seed before, and it's usually three to five years before they start to bear. At that point they're apx 4-6 feet tall. You're right that they're not fully grown at that point, but they would be "tree" size.
I'm concerned that waiting that long will be too late, that the tree would be too large.
From your comments, it appears that the main reason for the extended period is for trunk development? I am a complete newby at this. Am I misunderstanding the process?
I'm concerned that waiting that long will be too late, that the tree would be too large.
From your comments, it appears that the main reason for the extended period is for trunk development? I am a complete newby at this. Am I misunderstanding the process?
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Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14412
i stand corrected then maybe do this:
so maybe let it grow but then cut like shown or something. i am sure if you wait a while other people will comment who have had far more experience then me on this field, so i would wait for their good judgement.
so maybe let it grow but then cut like shown or something. i am sure if you wait a while other people will comment who have had far more experience then me on this field, so i would wait for their good judgement.
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Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14413
I appreciate your help. You've given me more than I had before. That link has some good information.
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Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14416
I assume you are in a country where you do not have frosts. You can stop the tree when small to get some movement in the trunk, and during the winter after 2 years dig up and root prune removing the taproot and re plant. then after another 2 years transfer to a large pot. After this you can start to select branches and a leader.
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Replied by Lauren on topic How old should a tree be to start training?
Posted 9 years 11 months ago #14418
Thank you for your help.
I live in an area that gets very cold, and very hot. Normal annual range is -10 to 40 C, or 15 to 100 F.
I am planning to put the tree in a 10 gallon pot on my front porch in the spring. Will that be large enough?
When you say "stop" the tree, I assume you mean I will top the tree, or cut the top off. Is that correct?
I live in an area that gets very cold, and very hot. Normal annual range is -10 to 40 C, or 15 to 100 F.
I am planning to put the tree in a 10 gallon pot on my front porch in the spring. Will that be large enough?
When you say "stop" the tree, I assume you mean I will top the tree, or cut the top off. Is that correct?
by Lauren
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