The Latest Timing and Methods for Pinching Jujube Trees Explained in Detail

Pinching jujube trees is one of the tasks often carried out during the growing season. It has an excellent effect on conserving nutrients, easing the nutritional conflict between growth and fruiting, and promoting reproductive growth. So when is the best time to pinch jujube trees? How should you do it? Follow the editor to learn more below.

1. Timing for pinching jujube trees

The timing for pinching jujube trees varies with the climate in different regions. Generally, it is done at the beginning and early stages of flowering. The degree of pinching also depends on the growth vigor and the growth position of the jujube tree. For jujube trees with relatively strong growth and ample space, you can leave 5-6 secondary branches before pinching; for trees of moderate vigor with less space, generally leave 3-4 heads for pinching; for jujube trees with weak growth and little space, you can leave 1-2 secondary branches before pinching; and for jujube trees with growing space, regardless of growth vigor, do not leave any secondary branches, and pinch after leaving 5-7 cm at the base.

2. Pinching of jujube heads

Pinching of jujube heads can be divided into heavy pinching and light pinching. Heavy pinching is done in early May. When the new jujube heads grow to 5—7 cm, for jujube heads with no space that are not kept as extension branches or fruiting branch groups, pinch after leaving 1-3 cm at the base, so that in time they develop into lignified fruiting branches. Because lignified fruiting branches have a high fruit-setting rate, and the fruits they bear are large and of high quality, they are the main part of the jujube orchard for growing premium fruit. For new jujube heads that sprout after flowering, remove them early from the base; for new jujube heads kept as main branch extension branches, pinch them when 3——5 secondary branches appear on them.

3. Pinching of secondary branches

After the new jujube heads kept as extension branches and fruiting branch groups are pinched, the secondary branches on them grow and develop rapidly. At this time, pinching the secondary branches can promote strong development of the fruiting mother plants and lay the foundation for a high yield. For relatively strong secondary branches, pinch when 5-7 jujube spurs appear; for relatively weak secondary branches, pinch when 2-4 jujube spurs appear, so that the fruiting branches are close to the main branches.

4. Pinching of fruiting branches

Fruiting branches are large in number, have many growing points, and have a long growth period. Pinching them can reduce the competition for nutrients caused by growth, shifting the focus of nutrient distribution from growth to flower and fruit development. At the same time, pinching fruiting branches can promote larger leaves; large and plump leaves improve photosynthesis, ensuring the supply of nutrients. Pinching of fruiting branches should be done before early flowering, pinching the fruiting branches at the half-grown leaf stage. Generally, ordinary fruiting branches retain 10-12 leaves, and lignified fruiting branches retain 18-20 leaves before pinching.

The above is an introduction to the timing and methods for pinching jujube trees. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.