What pruning methods are used in blueberry cultivation?
What pruning methods are used in blueberry cultivation? When is the best time to prune blueberries? We also ask experienced friends to help explain. Blueberry pruning is divided by variety into highbush blueberry and lowbush blueberry. Below, Zhongdiwang lists them in detail for netizens' reference. 1. Pruning methods for highbush blueberry 1. Blueberry...
What pruning methods are used in blueberry cultivation? When is the best time to prune blueberries? We also ask experienced friends to help explain.Blueberry pruning is divided by variety into highbush blueberry and lowbush blueberry. Below, Zhongdiwang lists them in detail for netizens' reference.
1. Pruning methods for highbush blueberry
1. Pruning methods for young blueberry trees:Young trees are generally pruned mainly by removing flower buds, with the aim of expanding the canopy, increasing the number of branches, and promoting root development. In the second and third spring after planting, thin out weak and small branches. In the third and fourth years, the main focus is still on expanding the canopy, but a moderate amount of fruiting is allowed. Generally, in the third year, the yield per plant should be controlled below 1 kg, with fruiting mainly on strong branches.
2. Pruning methods for mature blueberry trees:Pruning at this stage is mainly to control tree height and improve light conditions, mainly by thinning branches, removing overly dense branches, thin and weak branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and root suckers.
For varieties with a more spreading root habit, when thinning branches, remove the weak and keep the strong; for upright varieties, remove the central leader, open the top window, and keep medium branches. The best fruiting age for large branches is 5 to 6 years old; if exceeded, they should be promptly retracted and renewed. Wipe out the flower buds on weak and small branches to make them grow stronger. Mature trees have a large number of flowers, so a portion of the flower buds should be cut off; generally, keep 2 to 3 flower buds per strong branch.
3. Pruning methods for old blueberry trees:Generally, about 25 years after blueberry planting, the aboveground part of the tree has aged and the whole tree needs renewal, that is, saw off all the aboveground part close to the ground, and new branches will sprout again from the base.
2. Pruning methods for lowbush blueberry varieties
1. Burning method:That is, burn off all the aboveground part during the dormant period, and new branches will sprout again, form flower buds in the same year, and bloom and bear fruit the next year. After that, burn-prune once every 2 years to always maintain fruiting on strong branches.
2. Cutting method:In early spring before sprouting, cut the aboveground part flat from the base of the plant, sawing it all off. The sawed-off branches are kept in the orchard, which can serve to cover the soil and increase organic matter.
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