FRUIT TREES

Espalier tree training features in European gardens in both formal and informal styles. Very old espalier fruit trees can be found growing on old brick and plaster walls in gardens in France. This method of tree training is attracting interest with New Zealand gardeners keen to create a compact and attractive tree feature. 

All fruit trees require training and pruning to develop proper shape and form, to yield high quality fruit and to live significantly longer. It is important to begin training and pruning from planting to ensure good development and growth.

Now is the best time to fertilize your fruit trees to get the best crops next season.  Promote the growth of flowering buds with an Autumn application of Potassium in the form of ‘Sulphate of Potash’. Initiation of flower buds starts in Summer and Autumn, and is influenced by temperature and day lengths. Depending on the fruit type and variety, the flower initiation may occur over several weeks or months.  You can encourage flowering growth by applying Potassium to the ‘drip line’ of the tree in Autumn.

We are just coming to the end of one of the main parts of the production process for our deciduous fruit trees. February and March are a very busy time at the nursery with the 'Budding' season, when the varieties are 'budded' onto the rootstocks which were planted last Winter (mainly in the ground, except for Citrus which are all container grown). 

An early ripening variety (mid December in Hawkes Bay), with red-purple skin and yellow flesh.  A cross of apricot and plum.  Very sweet and flavoursome.  Self fertile.  

Produces abundant crops of juicy, red-fleshed pleasant flavoured fruit with yellow skin. Plant in a sheltered, sunny position.  Fruit holds well on tree. Ripens
August-November. Note: intensity of red flesh will be less in cooler climates.

Northern Highbush variety with enormous light blue berries 16-20mm in diameter, bearing early.  Berries are firm and have excellent keeping quality.  Has a spreading leafy growth habit producing a smallish bush. Best planted with another Northern Highbush variety: Bluecrop, Blue Joy Dixi, Duke, Puru or Reka.