Oblique Cord
Basic Shape
Regular Oblique Cord
One slanting framework branch (planted slantingly or not)
Example
More info about this leifruit location
Description
Espalier with one framework branch that is guided upwards at an angle.
Intermediate form of Vertical Single Cord and Horizontal Single Cord.
Features:
- 1 framework branch
- framework branch is guided upwards at an angle
- fruit wood is grown close to the framework branch
- tree is planted vertically or at an angle
The fruiting wood grows mainly on the top of the framework branch.
[mks_icon icon=”fa-thumbs-up” color=”#009900″ type=”fa”] For more information See main article: Single Cord.
Specific Applications
The Slanted Cord was previously used for 2 purposes:
- Low walls
A slanted cord was used along walls that were too low to place a straight cord. A slanted cord must be able to grow at least 300 cm long. In practice, the height of the wall determined the angle at which the cord was guided. An angle of approximately 45° is ideal for evenly distributing growth and fruiting over the framework branch; this angle is not so critical. - Grape cultivation
In the winter, diagonal strings of grapes could easily be loosened and laid on the ground to protect them from frost.
Advice
Both the Slanted Single Cord and the Slanted Double Cord are easy to grow and maintain. Suitable for low walls (180-300 cm high) with espalier fruit. A Slanted Cord is otherwise comparable to a vertical cord.
A diagonal cord is especially suitable for pip fruits.
Advantages of a frame branch with an inclined position:
- balance between growth & development
The tilted position is favourable for the relationship between vegetative growth (shoot and leaf formation) and generative development (flower and fruit formation). - long framework branch at high fruit wall
The slanting position makes it possible to maintain longer framework branches at lower fruit walls. You then need fewer trees to fill the available space.
If you plant an entire row with one variety of the Slanting Cord, an intriguing pattern is created.
During the growing phase, please note that a diagonal cord can be created in different ways:
- Plant the tree at an angle and allow it to grow diagonally in the same line.
- Plant the tree vertically, manually bend the central leader at a height of approx. 35 cm and allow it to grow at an angle.
- Plant the tree vertically, prune it back to a height of 35 cm, then allow a bud on the side to grow and tie it at an angle.
[mks_icon icon=”fa-thumbs-up” color=”#009900″ type=”fa”] For more information See main article: Single Cord.
Derived Variants
The following slate shapes are derived from the basic shape.
Broken oblique Cord
The frame branch is guided upwards at an angle with one zigzag
Zigzag Cord
The frame branch is guided upwards at an angle with several zigzag shapes
Derived Variants with Multiple Branches
For variants with 2 slanted frame branches, see main item: Slanted Double Cord.
