When is the Best Time to Prune Grapevines
Core introduction to the topic: An introduction to the best time to prune grapevines in the green plant and flower aspect, some great tips and knowledge, recommended for bookmarking!
When is the Best Time to Prune Grapevines
Grapevines can be pruned in spring, March to April, using the bud-thinning method to remove weak buds, multiple buds, and suckers. In June to July, pinch back fruiting and vegetative branches and perform lateral pruning. In September to October, the second pinching should be done, thinning dense branches, weak branches, overlapping branches, and branches with low lignification. A major pruning can be done from December to January.
Overview of Grapevines
Grapevines bloom from April to May and bear fruit from August to September. The minimum temperature required for growth is between 12-15 degrees Celsius, with the optimal temperature for flowering around 20 degrees Celsius. The suitable growth temperature for fruit expansion is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. With a significant day-night temperature difference, coloring and sugar content are better.
Pruning Time for Grapevines
1. Spring Pruning
Grapevines can be pruned in the spring, March to April, using the bud-thinning method to remove weak and multiple buds, reducing nutrient loss and ensuring all nutrients are supplied to the remaining buds, known as "conserving nutrients."
2. Summer Pruning
Grapevines can be pruned in summer, June to July, pinching back fruiting and vegetative branches, lateral pruning, and also shaping the fruit clusters, straightening, thinning, and removing berries.
3. Autumn Pruning
Grapevines can be pruned in autumn, September to October, performing the second pinching, thinning dense branches, weak branches, overlapping branches, and branches with low lignification to adjust the number of branches, improve ventilation and lighting conditions, and enhance the openness of the trellis.
4. Winter Pruning
Grapevines can be pruned in winter, December to January of the following year. Winter pruning has the highest pruning volume and the most branches pruned, which can increase the yield the following year.
Pruning Methods and Steps for Grapevines
1. Shortening Cut
When shortening grapevines, make sure to keep a certain distance between the pruning cut and the bud eye to avoid affecting the growth of the bud eye the following year. Then, based on the length of the shoot, determine the number of buds to keep, with short shoots retaining two buds, choosing full ones.
2. Heading Back Cut
Heading back involves selective pruning, which is an important task because old grapevines have many branches that consume a lot of nutrients. Pruning should be based on the condition of the old vine, removing weak branches and leaving strong ones for propagation, and vice versa for strong branches.
3. Thinning Cut
This involves rough pruning, with the principle being "six cuts and six not cuts." Remove weak branches and leave strong ones, remove damaged ones and leave intact ones, remove far branches and leave near ones, remove double branches and leave single ones, remove underdeveloped ones and leave fully developed ones, and remove old branches and leave new ones.
Precautions When Pruning Grapevines
When pruning grapevines, ensure that the cut is flat and smooth without leaving any stubble. The cut diameter 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 latex, and the vine should be cared for in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and watering.
The above information introduces the best time to prune grapevines in detail and hopes it can be of help to you. Don't forget to check out more flowering experience and common knowledge!