How to prune gardenia during its growth period

Gardenia has different needs at different growth stages. The following pruning is required during the growth period:

Bud removal and tiller removal

During the growth period of gardenia, removing the newly sprouted buds or flower buds is called bud removal; cutting off branches that appear in inappropriate positions on the trunk is called tiller removal. Bud removal and tiller removal can reduce the loss of nutrients in the plants and improve the light, water and fertilizer conditions of the plants.

Pinching and pruning

When the gardenia is growing, pinching off the top of the branches is called pinching, and cutting off part of the new shoots is called pruning.

Pinching is usually done when the new shoots have not yet become lignified, by cutting off the top 2 to 3 cm of the branches. Pruning is the process of shortening the plant's branches after they have become lignified. Pinching or pruning young plants can promote the growth of new branches; for adult plants, their growth can be adjusted to promote the differentiation of flower buds and the growth of transplanted branches.

Picking leaves and flowers

When the plant grows too vigorously, you can pick off the leaves appropriately, which can improve ventilation and light conditions. For gardenia, it is best to remove excess leaves before flowering to prevent the flowers from growing larger and remove dead flowers in time after they fade. This can not only improve the ornamental value but also reduce the loss of nutrients.

Twisting, breaking, twisting and grabbing branches

Twisting: During the growing season of the plant, twist the semi-lignified part of the upper part of the branch.

Tipping: Injure the branches but do not break them.

Twisting branches: Before the branches sprout, twist the base of the branches 180°, leaving cracks in the bark.

Holding branches: When the branches are lignified, bend them 7 to 10 cm away from the base. After hearing a breaking sound, step back 7 to 10 cm and bend them again. After bending them several times, the upright branches will bend into a drooping shape.

The above measures aim to prevent nutrient transport, weaken growth potential and promote flower bud formation.

Circumcision and girdling

Ring cutting: 1 to 2 circles of ring cutting are used at the base of vigorously growing branches and trunks, forming a ring-like shape.

Girdling: After girdling, the bark is peeled off. Ring barking is usually done after new shoots stop growing. The width of the ring bark is 0.4~0.6cm, and can reach 0.8~1.0cm for thick branches. To prevent the wound from causing adverse effects, tie the branches with wire, or apply the peeled skin to the wound in the opposite direction after peeling to minimize the damage.

The main functions of the two are to interrupt the downward transport of photosynthetic products, reduce nutrient consumption by branches and stems, and promote flower bud differentiation.

The gardenia pruned according to the above method will have pure white flowers, thick branches and leaves, and will fill the house with fragrance when it blooms.