How to prune pepper trees

Pruning period

Generally speaking, we choose to prune in winter, when it enters a dormant or semi-dormant state. Then we cut off the dead branches, the diseased and insect-infested ones, and the dense ones.

After that, pruning can be done again in spring and early autumn, and at this time we can do it according to our cuttings.

Key Points

Pruning can usually be done later, but it is not good to do it earlier. Although everyone agrees to prune in winter, spring is actually better because during this period its branches will grow faster, the air humidity will be higher, and there will be no dry branches, so there is nothing difficult to do.

Prune away its thick branches and leave the thin ones alone. We have to wait until the branches become woody before we start pruning them, so that the side branches will have a better-looking shape. It is also best to wait for it to grow for a year before pruning it. If it has not grown well, you can wait another year.

Keep the weaker branches. Because some branches may not sprout for a long time, and the side branches may not be well developed, this is actually due to lack of fertilizer. So we can add more fertilizer, as long as it doesn't affect its growth too much. Moreover, during the peak season, watering and fertilizing should be spaced out. Only in this way will the side branches be fatter and pruning can be carried out normally.