Of course, the joy of every self-harvested fruit is great. But in this country, citrus plants are primarily cultivated for the eye. Therefore, it is desirable that the plant remains healthy and forms a beautiful crown. This can only be achieved by regular pruning.

Only minor corrections may be made in the summer

Subtle differences in the citrus species

Lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines and many other species are hidden under the term citrus plants. They are all pruned, but the amount and frequency of pruning can vary from species to species.

Mandarins, oranges and clementines, for example, form a densely branched and richly leafy crown. In order for enough sunlight to get through to the fruits, they have to be thinned out more often than the rather loose branches of a lemon tree. Of course, the individual development of a specimen also influences the use of the scissors.

Cutting for a beautiful crown

The biggest motivation for pruning is to form a pleasing crown. It should be dense, well-proportioned and occasionally spherical. Each cut encourages branching. It is best to cut frequently, but always only the shoot tips, so that the plant does not lose a lot of energy.

tips

In our latitudes, lemon plants are usually only cultivated in large tubs. But even there it is possible to pull them on the trellis. Accordingly, they must be cut and tied from a young age.

Small corrections in summer

Minor corrections may be made to the citrus plants at any time during the summer. It's primarily about individual branches that are too big or don't really want to fit into the harmonious overall picture in any other way. They are simply shortened.

Major corrections in winter

More extensive pruning measures such as thinning out the crown are better carried out in late winter, even before new shoots appear at the tips. Because plants that are not in the growth phase are not weakened too much by pruning measures.

The months of February and March are ideal, while they are still hibernating indoors. If the plant needs a new pot, repotting should be done immediately after pruning.

Cutting instructions for the winter cut

  • the cut may also go into the old wood
  • cut over buds or leaves that point outwards
  • then the new shoots will also appear outwards
  • he finds enough space for further branches
  • Position the scissors about 3 mm above the leaf or bud
  • Cut diagonally, in the direction of growth of the leaf or bud
  • Remove dry and dead twigs down to the healthy wood
  • Coat the edges of larger wounds with tree wax (12.96€).

tips

In autumn you can cut freshly woody shoots to propagate the citrus plant. The young plant develops and bears fruit faster than if its life began from a core.

Sprout at the grafting point

Purchased citrus plants are very often grafted specimens. With them it can happen that new shoots appear below the grafting point. You should break this out early or cut it off with scissors close to the trunk.

Category:

Vegetable garden