Cherries as cordons?

[maverick451]

Can cherries be grown as cordons?

Originally I though no because of the pruning but it seems to be used commercially now under the super slender axis system

[Jay-ell]

Never heard of super slender axis but it turns out I'm trying to do that. Planted last year and cherries on this year.

[Lardman]

They're not cordons as such really they're spindle bushes with a modified pruning technique to allow tip bearing.

The theory is sound, I've watched a bucket load of tall spindle apple videos whilst I was trying to get my head around growing high density tip bearing apples.

I'm trying a few apples and a plum out under the pruning method at the moment, but this year is a complete loss. I'm not sure if that's bad pruning or the weather though.

I had planned to add a few cherry trees into the mix but £20 a tree is a bit steep for me to butcher in an experiment.

[maverick451]

I had planned to add a few cherry trees into the mix but £20 a tree is a bit steep for me to butcher in an experiment.

I plan to graft my own, get hold of some gisela 5 rootstocks and then scrounge around for some scions, plenty of cherry trees up the allotment.

[maverick451]

Here is a good video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB7cSigsoJ4&t=207s