Columnar fruit is the term used to describe fruit varieties that form a columnar growth form due to their genetic predisposition or through pruning measures. Within certain minimum and maximum sizes, the desired height can be regulated by the gardener's hand.
The height of columnar fruit can be easily regulated
The amount can be based on various criteria
Most types of columnar fruit are allowed to grow to a height of around 2 to 4 meters over the years as part of maintenance. Planted in the open and well fertilized specimens usually show faster growth than columnar fruit in pots. According to the special wishes of a hobby gardener, the desired height of columnar fruit can be based not least on the following criteria:
- compact growth form for balcony or terrace
- desired yield
- Function as a privacy screen
So while for pot culture, in addition to outdoor seating, lower heights such as about 1.5 meters are to be aimed at, high yields or the function as a privacy screen require a certain minimum height of 2 meters or more.
It is better to think about the optimal height early on
Most types of columnar fruit are quite sensitive to excessively radical pruning. You should therefore be clear at an early stage about the "final height" you want your columnar fruit to reach. Slight pruning can then be carried out annually on the main shoot until the target is reached. Last but not least, this also prevents the plant base from becoming bare.
tips
Many a cherry tree sold as a columnar fruit grows quite narrow in height, but can reach an astonishing maximum height. Although this factor can be desirable, it should be reflected in the planting at an appropriate distance from the neighbor's property.