Parfianka Pruning

[OBecian]

Hi, I think this relates nicely to the upright pomegranate threads. I am trying to train my Parfianka into a tree but it has a lot of these floppy branches. When it hit three feet, I took off all growth except the 5 biggest branches.
Do I need to keep trimming them to fatten the trunk?
Do I need to tie them up on posts?
Help as it is already wider than the 50 gallon pot it lives in.

IMG_0610.jpg (167.93 KiB) Viewed 3069 times

[pombazaar]

Nice tree you have going there! I support my weaker branches by tying them to posts or using tomato cages. Works like a charm either way and gives you perfect upright growth. I personally try to allow no more than three trunks from the main base trunk. I've noticed that this method results in thicker branches and more fruit yield.

[OBecian]

Thanks! I was mainly curious to see how much support they needed for their vertical growth. I like your three trunk idea. In the next year or two I'd like to move this tree to the front of the house. The wind can really blow so more trunk and branch strength will be very important. There is a beautiful example of a wonderful with a single 8 inch trunk that I am trying to copy.

[greenfig]

It looks good!
My Parfianka is the most Un-upright tree I have ever seen. The branches would be touching the ground if not attached to stakes. It produces so much that cannot grow up at all.
I am considering to prune 90% of the fruit next year just to shape the tree a little. It is 7 or so years old