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Training Bilateral Cordons

Hi:

The archives indicate there are two methods to train bilateral cordons.

One is pinching the top of the main trunk cane and training two laterals as cordons. The other is to lay over the main trunk cane to the support wire as one cordon and train a lateral below the wire as the opposing cordon.

Based on the discussions in the archives either is recommended. But which is better or is easier or faster.

How does the lateral from the bent over main cane method start up and lengthen if the top isn't clipped?

Thanks for any advice,

Steve noobie Oregon

Reply to
spud
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At each leaf, a new cane will emerge - the closest to the cordon wire will likely be your choice for the opposite cordon.

IMHO, the "bending over" of the main trunk cane to form one cordon is easier said than done. I tried it many a time, and broke far too many. I prefer to allow the trunk cane to extend 18" or so past the cordon wire, then cut it. I then choose opposing shoots to form the new cordon canes. They are not (usually) equally opposite, but rather about 4 - 5 " differeing in height where they leave the main trunk. No big deal. after a few years, you can't tell anyway.

Good luck.

Reply to
Ric

Steve,

I agree with the previous post. cut the shoot above the wire and use the laterals. The main reason I use this method is because the wood of the laterals always seems to have a smaller pith and better matured buds. Laterals , when used as canes are almost always more mature and more reliable for the quality of wood than the cane they grew from. Next time you prune, take a look. Laterals always have a small pith and nice clear green wood with buds that push in the spring. I use laterals for that reason.Your cordons will start with nice mature wood as their foundation.

Bob

spud wrote:

Reply to
doublesb

Ric and Bob.

So topping it is!

Thanks and Take Care,

Steve noobie Oregon

Reply to
spud

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