What are the latest pruning methods for pomegranate trees?
Pruning a pomegranate tree may differ somewhat from pruning other fruit trees; generally speaking, it needs to be pruned in all four seasons. The ultimate purpose of pruning is always to ensure the yield and quality of the pomegranates. Today, what I want to introduce to you is the method of pruning a fruiting pomegranate tree through all four seasons of the year. Those who need it can take a careful look.
1. Spring pruning
Spring pruning should be done early, generally during the period from after the pomegranate buds break to before the pomegranate tree blooms, that is, from the end of April to the end of May each year. What we need to do is adjust the proportion of fruiting branches and thin out small or overly dense fruiting branches; next, scientifically thin flower buds and flowers to prevent physiological fruit drop from affecting the yield and quality of the pomegranates; also, prune the diseased and pest-infested branches of the pomegranate trees in the orchard, and wipe off new shoots on overly dense young branches and main trunks, which can enhance the airiness and light penetration of the canopy and reduce nutrient consumption.
2. Summer pruning
Summer pruning of pomegranate trees can generally begin in June, and the latest pruning time is around mid-July. What we need to do is, after the first two batches of young fruit have set, reasonably thin out excess young fruit, diseased fruit, insect-damaged fruit and deformed fruit. Pomegranates generally have three batches of fruit; the best choice to keep is the second batch, while the third batch is basically not kept. Next, we also need to reasonably thin out some densely growing branches and diseased and pest-infested branches to ensure good airiness and light penetration. If necessary, we also need to take measures to widen or reduce the distance between main branches, preferably keeping it at around several cm.
3. Autumn pruning
Autumn pruning is generally between August and October each year. At this time, many branches generally have new shoots from a second or third flush. In order to maintain good airiness and light penetration and to promote fruit enlargement and coloring, we also need to thin out branches. The pruning principles are the same as for summer pruning, and at the same time the pruned diseased and pest-infested branches must be dealt with to avoid infection from diseases and pests. Finally, promptly after the pomegranates are harvested and before the pomegranate tree sheds its leaves, a certain degree of root pruning should be carried out. This is usually done from October to October each year. After root pruning, combine it with the use of organic fertilizer, which is beneficial to the growth of new roots.
4. Winter pruning
Winter pruning can be said to be a large-scale pruning, also known as dormant-period pruning. We generally carry it out in four steps: pruning of large branches, pruning of small branches, pruning of fruiting mother branches, and pruning of diseased and pest-infested branches. For large branches, we mainly handle them according to the principle of three sparse and three dense, and keep the distance between each branch at around several cm. For small branches, prune according to the principle of sparse at the top and dense at the bottom, sparse outside and dense inside, keeping about 30 cm of free growing space for each branch. Also, keep more fruiting mother branches and retain three or four vegetative branches around them. If the fruiting mother branches are too dense, thin them out according to the principle of removing the weak and keeping the strong. Finally, all diseased and pest-infested branches must be pruned away cleanly, which can avoid the harm of pests to the pomegranate tree. At the same time, the orchard also needs to be cleaned and disinfected to eliminate the sources of disease and pests.
The above is all the content I want to share with you today. I believe everyone now has a certain understanding of the four-season pruning methods for pomegranate trees, and I also hope this article can help more friends in need. If you encounter other problems during the planting process, you can also leave a message below to discuss together.