So I have about 13 varieties of mulberries now and there are a few I would like to plant in the ground, however, I have limited room and am considering growing them as espaliers.
Has anyone grown them as espaliers?
In particular, has anyone grown them as Japanese espaliers?
Last spring I planted out 4 varieties Oscar, Kukoso, Gerardi, and Pakistani, with the intention to grow as low cordons. I will be bending down to wires this spring. Bed is 4’ X 20’ and plants are at 4’ centers. Since a 4’ center is not enough for much side growth of each variety, I thought I would stack up the laterals vertically ( e.g., 6", 18", 30", 42") , letting variety grow the length of the bed. I have a plastic overhead covering, tied down to EMT pipe to raise the heat units a bit (since I think Pakistan variety will not get enough heat units in my zone 8a) and also to make sure plants do not drown in my wet climate. Strawberries are planted as a ground cover.
I have no idea whether this will work! Will the cordons be too vigorous? Will pruning to spurs really work for fruit production?
I would love to hear from others who have tried something similar.
