On 3 May, 20:32, Jeff Taylor
wrote:
Joe K wrote:
My 5 year old Ballerina apple tree (Polka on MM106 rootstock) has gots lots
of side shoots this year but narry a blossom in sight. Last year I fed it
some blood/bone meal but nothing this year. Should I prune the side shoots,
some of which are quite long or just leave as is and hope that next year is
better? The tree fruited fine for the first 2 years of planting.
Thanks
Joe

Hi Joe,

Are they the same as the 'Minarette' fruit trees I got from Ken Muir
(tall and columnar)?
If so, according to the instructions I got:

Main stem leader (top bit) prune in Winter/early spring.
Cut back 1/3 to 1/2 of last year's growth. Cut back to a bud.
Once the tree's at the required height cut the leader back to 1cm from
the point of growth (in Winter)

Side shoots. If less than 8 inches, don't prune otherwise prune back to
about 3 leaves above the basal cluster in the summer.
Any shoots arising from existing shoots should be cut back to one leaf
beyond the basal cluster (2-4 small closely spaced leaves at the bottom
of the shoot).

If you'd like a copy of the full instructions I could scan them and
email them to you.

Good Luck,

Jeff
NE England

I always understood that if you pruned Ballerina trees they would
loose the "Pole" habit and start to bush.


"Ballerina Apples

Originally referred to as 'pole trees', this range of trees has been
produced in conjunction with East Malling Research Station and the
whole is called 'Ballerina'. The growth of Ballerina trees is such
that they make very short side breaks and hence no pruning is
necessary. So far six cultivars have evolved from crossing the
original sport with the latest and best type of varieties from E.M.

All Ballerina trees this season are available on MM106. Due to their
compact potential, growth will only reach 8ft. after five years of
growth, hence advantages are no pruning, no staking, easy to spray and
easy to pick. Ideal for upright pillar, garden ornamentation (i.e.
either side of entrances), plus a host of other applications.

David Hill
Abacus Nurseries