When is the Best Time to Prune Grapevines
Core introduction to the text: Find out the best time to prune grapevines for floral knowledge, let's take a look together!
When is the Best Time to Prune Grapevines
Pruning grapevines in spring occurs between March and April, removing weak buds, multiple buds, and suckers to reduce nutrient loss. In summer, from June to July, the fruiting branches and nutrient branches are pinched back, and lateral buds are managed. In autumn, from September to October, a second pinching can be done, thinning dense branches, weak branches, crossing branches, and branches with low lignification. In winter, a major pruning can be carried out.
Overview of Grapevines
Grapevines belong to the grape genus, bloom from April to May, and fruit from August to September. During growth, the minimum required air temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius, and the minimum ground temperature is also around 12 degrees. The flowering period requires a temperature of about 20 degrees, and the optimal temperature for fruit expansion is between 20-30 degrees. If there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, the coloration and sugar content are better.
Pruning Time for Grapevines
1. Spring pruning, which takes place between March and April, removes weak buds, multiple buds, and suckers to reduce nutrient loss. The nutrients left behind can be concentrated to supply strong buds, commonly referred to as "bud conservation."
2. Summer pruning, which occurs between June and July, involves pinching back fruiting branches and nutrient branches, managing lateral buds, and shaping the fruit clusters, including thinning, aligning, and removing excess berries.
3. Autumn pruning, which takes place between September and October, involves a second pinching, thinning dense branches, weak branches, crossing branches, and branches with low lignification, adjusting the amount of branches, and improving ventilation and lighting conditions to enhance the openness of the trellis.
4. Winter pruning, which occurs between December and January, involves the largest pruning volume and the highest number of branches to be pruned. Winter pruning is an effective method to determine the yield for the following year.
Pruning Methods for Grapevines
1. Shortening cut, where the pruning shears and bud eye need to maintain a certain distance to avoid affecting the growth of the bud eye. The number of buds to be left is determined based on the length of the shoots, with short shoots having 2 buds, selecting plump ones.
2. Reduction cut, which involves selective pruning. This is important work because old trees have many branches that consume more nutrients, resulting in significant loss during the winter dormancy period. Pruning should be based on the condition of the old tree, with weak branches removed and strong branches left for propagation.
3. Thinning cut, which is a rough pruning. The principle is "six cuts and six not cuts." This involves cutting off weak branches and leaving strong ones, removing incomplete branches and leaving complete ones, cutting off distant branches and leaving close ones, removing double branches and leaving single ones, cutting off underdeveloped branches and leaving fully developed ones, and cutting off old branches and leaving new ones.
Precautions for Pruning Grapevines
When pruning grapevines, the cut should be flat, smooth, and not leave any stubble. The cut surface should be 1-2 centimeters away from the bud eye to prevent the winter bud from drying out. The cut surface can be coated with white glue and maintained in a semi-shaded environment, away from light and without watering.
This article shares the small experience of the best time to prune grapevines, hoping to bring you help in life!