The young greengage is quickly planted. Inexperienced gardeners often make the mistake of not worrying about pruning afterwards. However, especially in the early days, pruning is essential for harmonious growth.

The benefits of regular pruning

Regardless of the variety, the greengage should be pruned regularly. Pruning keeps the plant healthy, increases the chance of many well-ripening fruits and prevents the plant from aging prematurely.

At the beginning: the pruning

After planting the greengage, a so-called plant cut should be carried out in the following spring. Its objective is to create leading branches around the trunk. It is essential for a good basic structure.

To do this, the side shoots, which point steeply upwards, are cut away. Side shoots that are at a good angle such as a 45° angle should be left in place. In total, no more than five side shoots should come from the main shoot. Furthermore, the favorable side shoots are shortened by a third during plant pruning.

6 years: educational cut

Greengage needs an average of six years to finish building its crown. The education cut is carried out every year and best between November and February. The goal is to provide each main branch with up to 8 side branches. Shoots that fall out of the grid or interfere are shortened to 10 cm. Water shots are also removed.

Every year again: maintenance cut

Once the crown has been built up, the maintenance cut takes place every year. The aim here is to keep the crown light. This allows the fruit to ripen better. In addition, thinning out prevents branches from breaking if there is too much fruit.

The best time is after harvest or in early summer. The crown is thinned out and the following parts are cut away:

  • steep shoots running upwards
  • shoots growing inwards
  • crossing shoots
  • diseased, dead and overaged wood
  • water shots

tips and tricks

Use sharp and clean tools (e.g. previously disinfected with alcohol) for cutting. Pruning should be straight and on frost-free days. If these points are not observed, there is a high risk that the greengage will be attacked by diseases.

KKF

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Trees