Stone fruit Information

Growing in the Ground.

The mature height of stone fruit trees in the ground is about 3 meters tall and, and about 2.5 meters wide. Stone fruit trees can be also grown by espalier method to save space, or in "stand alone" position.

Growing in a Pot

When growing in a pot, the size of tree will be determined by the size of the pot. E.g. in a half wine barrel pot, the tree would reach about half the 'in ground' size.

Apart from the continual pruning for shape and balance, apply annual pruning to Stone Fruit Trees in early winter. Prune 1/3 (young tree) to 1⁄2 (mature tree) of the current year's growth, remembering to cut above an outward bud. The colour of the bark will indicate the amount of growth for the last season (usually lighter green or brown than the darker older wood from previous years growth).

It is most important to spray the tree for prevention of the disease 'Leaf Curl'At Leaf Fall i.e. autumn (by early May - remove the leaves if not yet fallen), spray thoroughly with Lime Sulphur (available at Bunnings etc) apply twice, about a week apart.Use a Copper spray, adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid, at bud swell (before bud burst), when the tree is beginning to 'wake up' from dormancy. This can be as early as June! Do this twice, about a week apart.

Keep your tree moist at all times, watering more often during the hotter months. A good layer of mulch promotes a more consistent moisture level. Weekly deep watering is best, i.e. leave hose on trickle overnight. This promotes a deeper root development for the tree, rather than surface watering. Reduce watering habits for dormant trees during the winter months. 

Fertilise 2 to 3 times a year! APPLY late winter, early summer and Early Autumn. Cow or animal manure (older is better) and compost are excellent fertilisers. Otherwise suggestions would be: a slow release fertiliser (Osmocote with added trace elements) mixed into the soil, Blood and Bone, Dynamic Lifter or equivalent. No more than one or two of these fertilisers to each application. From time to time kitchen scraps can be added under the mulch to attract earthworms (If no dogs are about!).

Note: When using fertilisers, keep from direct contact with trunk of the tree. And top up mulch when required. 

Best to place in position with full day sun or a minimum of half day, sheltered from wind if possible.

First fruits will appear in approximately 6 - 18 months. It's best to remove most of these fruits when they are the size of a tiny pea and allow the framework (branches) of all the grafts to develop first. This is especially important whilst the tree is young. As the tree grows, thin out/reduce the amount of fruit that has set, always promoting branch growth as well as fruit production. Branch framework needs to be ahead of fruit production to carry the weight of the fruit and establish correct tree shape. More fruit may be allowed to set on any faster growing grafts however, as the fruit production will slow the growth of the branches. Always reduce the number of fruit on the slower growing varieties to allow more energy to go into developing the branches. 

All our trees can be espaliered. This method saves space and is especially helpful for apple and nashi trees as it provides extra support for heavy cropping. Attach the branching sideways along wires or framework. Secure branches with expandable ties to allow expansion as the branches grow.