In spring, as the roots start to awaken and grow in the soil, proper pruning becomes a crucial task. In warmer southern regions, this should be done in mid to late February, while in colder northern areas, it's best to wait until March or April. Pruning at the right time helps promote healthy growth and better flowering.
Typically, you should trim back about one-third of the plant’s height. Start by removing any weak, diseased, or dead branches. The most vigorous new shoots from the previous year should be left with 2 to 3 stems, each up to 5 cm tall. These should be cut just 1 cm above a strong, plump bud—those that are firm and not yet sprouted.
To avoid creating a dense, unbalanced structure, choose strong buds on the outer side of the plant. When trimming, listen for a "squeaky" sound, which indicates a full, healthy part. If the cut feels soft, it means you need to prune more aggressively.
For plants that are 2–3 years old, the main branch’s middle section is where most new growth occurs. Trim this area to leave only 10–20 cm. If you want more flowers, go for a lighter cut. If you prefer fewer blooms but stronger growth, use a heavier cut instead.
Plants that aren’t growing well should be pruned more severely, as their root systems may be underdeveloped. A large canopy can lead to poor nutrient distribution, so it's important to also disinfect the cuts during pruning to prevent disease.
To keep the trimmed branches from bending outward, use supports like sticks or poles. This helps maintain a balanced shape and prevents branches from colliding when the wind blows. Lower buds on sloped branches tend to be stronger and produce more flowers, so take extra care when pruning these areas.
After pruning, insects begin to emerge from hibernation. At this stage, mix 10 ml of chlorpyrifos (an insecticide) and 20 g of wettable sulfur powder into 10 liters of water. Spray the solution onto the plants. Since there are no leaves yet, there's no risk of phytotoxicity.
About 20 days after pruning, the buds will start to sprout. During this process, weaker buds will naturally die off. To encourage better blooming, leave 3–4 buds per main branch, and only 1–2 buds on thinner stems. Remove the rest. In colder northern regions, sprouting may be delayed, so adjust timing accordingly.
If you applied base fertilizer in December, avoid adding more in early spring. Once the buds begin to open, apply a small amount of flower fertilizer around the roots to support growth. On sunny days, if the soil surface dries out, water lightly before noon to prevent freezing.
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