How to prune grapes after they bloom? When is the best time to prune the branches?

Grape pruning time

The stems and vines of grapes grow very fast and are densely distributed. Reasonable pruning is beneficial to the growth and development of grapes. Generally, pruning can be carried out throughout the year, but it is mainly concentrated in spring pruning, before and after flowering. Pruning at this time can make new branches grow faster and can also promote flowering and fruiting to a certain extent.

Grape pruning methods and steps

1. Spring pruning

Grapes grow best in spring, which is also the period when they have stronger budding ability. You can prune the plants according to their growth, cut off all the overgrown stems, and thin out the side buds on the main branches. Only 1 to 2 buds need to be retained to promote the growth of new vines.

2. Pruning before flowering

Grapes can be properly pruned before flowering. Before the inflorescence appears, the secondary spikes on the inflorescence and the small flower spikes at the front end of the inflorescence can be cut off in time. At the same time, the multiple small flower stalks below the secondary spikes should be cut off, so that only about 10 in the middle and upper parts of the entire bunch need to be retained. Gibberellic acid should also be used to pull the bunch.

3. Pruning after flowering

After the flowering period of the grapes is over, reasonable pruning can be carried out, which can make the nutrients more concentrated. Mainly, the remaining flower clusters and dead flowers should be cut off, and the side vines around the main vine should be shortened by about 10 cm. Some of the small fruit grains on them should also be cut off. Only those on the main branches are needed.

Notes on grape pruning

If you want grapes to produce more and bigger fruits, you must do a good job of combing the fruits during the fruiting period, picking off the overgrown and dense ones to reduce nutrient consumption. Otherwise, it will affect growth, causing most of the fruits to be smaller and reducing yields.