How to prune gardenia
As an evergreen shrub in the courtyard, reasonable pruning of gardenia can not only create a beautiful plant type, but also promote flower bud differentiation and improve flowering quality. Mastering the correct pruning timing and method can make your gardenia blossom every year. This article will explain in detail the four pruning tips from the perspective of growth cycle and modeling requirements. Gardenia pruning core steps 1. Pick the core and lay the top plastic foundation. When the new seedlings grow to 15-20cm, the first pruning is carried out, and 3-4 pairs of real leaves are retained and the top buds are cut off. By blocking the apical advantage, lateral branches can be promoted to germinate. It is recommended to use it with nutrient solution (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 1:1:1) for better results. Repeat once a month in late spring and early summer to gradually form a full crown shape. 2. Short cutting and shape control to promote branching in June plum blossoms need to focus on treating long branches before the rainy season, using the "three-cutting method": ① Keep 1/2 of the length of branches over 30cm;② Cut off 1/3 of branches of 15-30cm;③ Cross branches are cut obliquely from the base of 5 cm. Pay attention to retaining the outer buds and apply plant ash to the incision to prevent infection. 3. The principle of "three cuts and three stays" is followed by thinning and transmitting light to ensure health: cut inner branches and leave outer branches, cut upright branches and leave flat branches, and cut weak sick branches and leave strong branches. It is recommended to keep the main branches spaced more than 10cm apart to ensure that each leaf receives sufficient light, which can reduce the incidence of pests and diseases by 70%. 4. After flowering, prune and continue energy. Immediately after the flowers wither, cut off the remaining flowers and the two pairs of leaves below, focusing on treating the thin and weak branches. Retain 3-5 bud points at the base of the main flower branch and apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate (diluted 1000 times) to reserve sufficient nutrients for the next year's flowering. Scientific maintenance and efficiency improvement plan requires shade for 3-5 days after pruning, and gradually increase the light after the incision heals. It is recommended to combine with extra-root topdressing (0.2% urea solution) and spray the back of the leaves every week, which can increase the germination speed of new buds by 40%. Carbendazim should be sprayed promptly after pruning during the rainy season to prevent fungal infections.
Through the control of the rhythm of pruning in the four seasons and the management of water and fertilizer, not only can various shapes such as umbrella-shaped and tower shapes be created, but also the ornamental effect of blooming 3-4 times a year can be achieved. Remember the twelve-character secret of "shaping the shape in spring, controlling the height in summer, thinning branches in autumn, and raising piles in winter" to make the gardenia bloom with a more gorgeous fragrance.