When to Prune Gardenias
The editor will talk about when to prune gardenias and the pruning methods and timing of large-leaf gardenias, with an introduction to green plants and flowers. Detailed introduction is as follows:
Every summer, walking on the streets, you can smell a refreshing fragrance, which is the scent of gardenias. It is because of gardenias' rich fragrance that they are deeply loved by many flower enthusiasts. Many people keep some gardenias as potted plants at home. July is when gardenias grow most vigorously. To make nutrients more concentrated, pruning is usually done at this time. After gardenias finish flowering and prepare to overwinter, which is at the end of the year, a second round of pruning is often necessary. Let's take a detailed look at the pruning of gardenias from July pruning, end-of-year pruning, and how to pinch the top.
1. July Pruning
During the vigorous growth period of gardenias, which is at the end of July, we can remove the top of the plant to promote the sprouting of branches, making the future plant shape more beautiful and the flowers more abundant. At the same time, we can observe the size of the entire crown and cut off some weak branches and branches growing inward. The weak and thin branches at the base should also be cut to keep the plant shape clear and ventilated. For overly long branches that make the crown look unbalanced, it is recommended to cut them to maintain a full crown.
2. End-of-Year Pruning
When gardenias finish flowering and prepare to overwinter, if the leaves at the bottom of the plant have all fallen off and only leaves and flowers grow at the top, we can forcibly prune a part of the top branches to promote lateral bud growth below, thus disrupting the apical dominance and supplying nutrients to the lateral branches to promote their growth. In winter, with low temperatures, growth is relatively slow, and there will be a dormant period. At this time, we can also prune some branches, remove withered leaves on the spent flower branches, and cut off the faded flowers to conserve nutrients for winter.
3. How to Pinch the Top
New branches of gardenias will continue to grow. Although the branches grow very fast, we cannot let them grow indefinitely, as this would make the plant shape very unattractive. At this time, we can give it a topping treatment. Topping gardenias means pinching off the top bud and a pair of leaves below it when the new branches have grown to four or five pairs of leaves, leaving two to three pairs of leaves, or two to three nodes. This will cause the branches to gradually age, and after aging, they will produce lateral branches. When the lateral buds grow to four or five pairs of leaves, continue topping to maintain a round plant shape. When new buds stop growing in autumn, stop topping. The branches will age and produce flower buds. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to gardenias appropriately, such as monopotassium phosphate, fertilizing two to three times a month with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. This way, gardenias can bloom again in autumn. Note that at this time, fertilizing, watering, and sunlight must be sufficient, as they grow very fast. Water should never be lacking, and the plant should be placed in a well-ventilated, sunny area. If gardenias are always kept indoors, they should be gradually moved to a sunny place and can be exposed to direct sunlight. As long as watering is sufficient, direct sunlight will not be a problem, and they will grow very fast.
The above is about when to prune gardenias and the pruning methods and timing of large-leaf gardenias. I hope it is helpful to you!