A cordon is a single restricted stem, trained against a wall, fence, or grown on wires. The stem is usually trained at an angle of 45° to the ground, but may also be grown horizontally or vertically. Double cordons may also be produced, where two arms are developed from an upright stem to form a 'U' shape. Cordons are particularly useful for small gardens and are most commonly used for apples, pears, medlars and quinces. However, vertical cordons can also be used for gooseberries and for red- and whitecurrants.

The following method describes how to form a single, oblique cordon:

On Planting

1. Set up a series of three horizontal support wires, 60 cm (24 in) apart, starting at 75 cm (30 in) above ground level.
2. Attach a cane to the wires at an angle of 45°.
3. Plant a maiden feather so that it lies along the cane at the same angle. Tie the stem to the cane.
4. Cut back any laterals longer than 10 cm (4 in) to three or four buds.

First Summer

1. Once the bases of new shoots become woody, prune them back to three or four leaves.
2. Any sideshoots should be cut back to one leaf.

Maintenance

1. In winter, thin out any congested spurs and remove any that are overcrowded. To increase vigour, cut back the leader by one-quarter.
2. In summer, prune any maiden laterals to three leaves. Cut back growth on woody laterals to one leaf.