Prunus armeniaca 'Kioto®'

Autumn · Planting

Reduce fruit to prevent branches breaking

Inspect the tree as fruit grows - reduce the numbers of fruit at the ends of branches to prevent branches breaking under their weight. This will also increase the size of remaining fruit. This is especially needed for young trees.

Spring · Outdoors

Add lime to soil

This plant prefers lime in soil. Where soil is neutral or only just alkaline, give a lime dressing in spring, applied as per rates on the packet.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser

Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Summer · Planting

Thin fruit to maximise good fruit

To ensure good fruit thin them from midsummer, dependant on harvesting time of the individual tree. Take out the main or 'king' fruit at the centre of a cluster and any misshapen ones. Cooking apples need 1 fruit per 20cm, eating 1 per 10-15cm.

Winter - early · Planting

Prune to maximise fruit production

Spur-bearing form - fruit grows on little, knobby side shoots. Prune last year's growth back by 1/3rd. The branches will have side-shoots along them, reduce these to 4-5 buds. Also remove dead branches and those that cross or rub each other.

Detailed instructions for training young trees should be provided when purchasing any young, 'maiden' tree. For development of other forms, espaliers, cordons etc. use detailed leaflets or specialist literature to ensure your tree is pruned correctly.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Planting

Protect & support young trees

Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.