type: Palmet

Palmet shapes are particularly suitable for pome fruit trees; less suitable for stone fruits.

Please note that with many Palmet varieties, productiondoes not increase proportionally with the size of the tree.

Some varieties are primarily grown for their ornamental value. Their symmetrical shape looks particularly attractive, especially in minimalist gardens.

The size of a espalier shape depends largely on the type of fruit and the rootstock. In addition, a palmette that cannot grow as high must be given the opportunity to grow wider accordingly.

Complex palmette shapes (such as the Double U shape, Verrier Palmet and Gaucher Palmet) require thorough and years-long planning from the grower. For each palmette, a grower works purposefully towards the desired final shape, which must already be determined at the start of cultivation.

The recommended distance between framework branches is approximately 30 cm for stone fruits (pear, apple); for peach (stone fruit) 50-60 cm.

Ensure straight framework branches. Bends and thickenings cause obstructions in the sap flow. This results in uneven growth and makes it more difficult to maintain the tree shape. It is therefore important to regularly tie up young framework branches; with an older, thicker branch, a deformity can no longer be straightened. At the same time, you should avoid keeping the binding material too tight or too long, as this will constrict the branch.

[mks_icon icon=”fa-lightbulb-o” color=”#0000ff” type=”fa”] Tips for a uniform distribution of growth force in complex palmette shapes
Complex palmette shapes include the (Horizontal) Palmette with 3 or more floors and derived espalier shapes, such as, Candelabrum Palmette, Verrier Palmette and Gaucher Palmette.
Be aware that an unevenly distributed growth force over the tree only occurs in the mature tree stage, but already requires measures during the cultivation phase! Cultivation that is too fast will only lead to problems years later, in the form of an unevenly distributed growth force over the tree. The importance of thorough cultivation should not be underestimated. After all: a tree with evenly distributed growth bears more fruit and requires less (pruning) maintenance.

During cultivation, you can use the following techniques to help prevent growth differences at a later stage:

1. Grow a layer (1 or) 2 years before starting the next layer. In other words: prune the extension of the heart branch strongly during winter pruning, to 10 cm above the layer that needs to strengthen.
   Do not skip this step!
2. Choose a vigorous variety for the outer framework branches (= first formed framework branches), and allow the growth force towards the heart of the tree to decrease gradually by grafting a different variety each time. This method was used by Nicolas Gaucher in particular for the Verrier Palmet. This technique is also recommended for the Vertical Palmet and Candelabra Palmet.
3. Graft a weaker growing variety for the top levels (= last levels formed) than for the lower levels.
   You can use this for example for the Horizontal Palmet and Gaucher Palmet.

A palmet stands out because of the parallel lines. The same effect can also be achieved with a row of identical strings or Y shapes.
See category: Leisure shapes > In Combination > Pattern.