When is the best time to prune a kumquat? Master the best pruning time
1. When is the best time to prune
From February to mid-March in spring, you can prune it; in summer and autumn, from early July to mid-August, you can prune it. In addition, between April and July, you can also remove excess buds, cut off excess shoots, and remove some flowering branches to help it grow flowers and bear fruit.
2. Pruning methods
1. Pruning method during the growth period: During its growth period, you should first train the trunk of the seedling, then help it take shape and help it cultivate the crown. In the first two years after planting, you can continue to help it develop thick branches, making its tree shape more compact and its branches and leaves denser. Every year, you should cultivate three or four rounds of shoots so that the crown forms as quickly as possible, and remove excess flowers in time.
2. Pruning method during the fruiting period: During its fruit growth period, you should still help it cultivate the crown, letting it grow two or three rounds of new shoots each year. The branches should be spaced appropriately, neither too dense nor too sparse, so the crown looks better. Try not to let the top of the tree bear fruit, or let it bear only a little. Pruning during this period is mainly based on trimming the shoots.
3. Pruning method during the harvest period: During the fruit ripening period, the tree height should be kept below 2.5 m. The crown is best with a textured, uneven outline, the shoots should be strong enough, there should be a 1 m layer of green leaves, and light and air should pass through the leaves. When pruning, remove branches that are too dense and keep the thick, strong branches. Remove the upper branches and keep the branches at the base.
4. Pruning method during the aging period: At this time, it should be cut back, the old branches should be renewed, and the lower branches should be allowed to grow out. Suckers should be kept; if the tree is relatively weak, even more branches need to be cut off.