Tag Archives: Hard pruning

Hard pruning of plant

Can we do Hard Pruning of all Plants?

Basic Gardening, ,

One question that always arises in the mind of most gardeners is: Can we do Hard Pruning of all Plants?

The answer is No.

We cannot do hard pruning of all plants.

This technique is not suitable for all plants and should be approached with caution, as it can be stressful for the plant and may affect its growth and health if done improperly. However, when performed correctly, hard pruning can rejuvenate overgrown or neglected plants, promote vigorous growth, and improve overall plant health and appearance.

Which plants should be Hard Pruned?

Hard pruning of plant
Hard Pruning of Rose plant

When considering which plants to hard prune, it is important to select those that are capable of regenerating from severe pruning and have the potential to produce new growth from dormant buds or adventitious shoots.

Generally, hard pruning is most effective for perennial plants rather than annuals or biennials.

Perennial plants with typical stems and numerous branches are well-suited to hard pruning because they have the capacity to produce new growth from older wood.

What are Perennial plants?

night jasmine in new pot
Night Jasmine Plant (4 years old)

Perennial plants are plants that live for more than two years, unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in just one year, or biennials, which live for two years.

  • Perennials have the ability to regrow from their roots year after year, often producing flowers and seeds repeatedly throughout their lifespan. These plants typically go through periods of dormancy during winter and then resume growth when conditions become favorable again.

Hard Pruning

Examples of some plants which are perennial:

Tulsi (Holy basil) plant, Curry plant, Hibiscus, Night Jasmine (Parijat), Clitoria (Aprajita), Bougainvillea, Rose plant, etc. 

Examples of some seasonal plants:

In contrast, seasonal plants such as annual flowers (Marigold, Pitunia, Dahlia, etc.) or vegetables (Bottle Gourd, Capsicum, Carrots, Beans, Tomato, Brinjal, etc.) do not require hard pruning as they complete their life cycle within a single growing season.

Tools and Equipment for Hard Pruning

pruning

When hard pruning plants, it is important to use sharp, clean pruning tools to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Timing of Pruning

Additionally, it is essential to consider the timing of pruning, as most hard pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the plants break dormancy and begin actively growing again.

By selecting the right plants and timing the pruning correctly, gardeners can harness the benefits of hard pruning to rejuvenate and invigorate their landscape plants.

Happy Gardening!

Make Your Own Garden!

What is Hard Pruning? When and Why should we do Hard Pruning of Plants?

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Introduction

When we cut the leaves, stems, branches, roots, flowers, or any part of the plant to give it a shape and for the growth of the plant, that process is called pruning. It is the process of selectively removing parts of plants to control plant growth and development in a particular pattern.

Generally, we do two types of pruning in gardening;

1. Light Pruning 

Light pruning of plant
Light pruning of plant

In light pruning we cut the small parts of the plant, its spent flowers, yellow or dead leaves to maintain plant shape, encourage growth, and keep the plant healthy.

  • It is done regularly during the growing season without removing large portions of the plant.

2. Hard Pruning 

Hard Pruning of plant
Performing hard pruning of plant

In hard pruning we cut the maximum part of the plant, its large branches, stems to rejuvenate overgrown plants or control size.

  • It is done annually (once in a year) during the beginning of the growing season of the plant. 

Understanding Hard Pruning

Hard Pruning is an important task in gardening for plant growth and flowering. It is like giving your plants a big haircut! Instead of just cutting here and there, you cut them back a lot, usually close to the ground or the main stem.

Pruning of stems
Pruning of stems
  • It is like hitting the reset button for your plants. Instead of just making them look neat, hard pruning makes them grow back stronger and healthier.

  Here, we have the answers for all the queries:

  • Why should we do Hard Pruning of Plants?
  • Which plants should be Hard Pruned?
  • When to do Hard Pruning of Plants?
  • What are the effects of hard pruning on the plant?

Why should we do Hard Pruning of Plants?

Hard pruning is typically necessary in situations where a plant has become overgrown, stopped growing, damaged, or unmanageable.

Hard pruning of rose plant

Consider a plant with long, thin stems.

  • Although it may still produce leaves and flowers, they might be sparse and undersized. However, by performing hard pruning—cutting the stems close to the base—we stimulate the growth of new, thicker stems. These fresh stems sprout healthy branches, sizable leaves, and profuse blossoms.
  • Moreover, hard pruning encourages the emergence of multiple stems with numerous branches, resulting in a denser plant.
Hard pruning of plant
Plant is growing upward direction

Conversely, if we prune the stems from the tip, the plant’s growth becomes upward-oriented, leading to elongated, thin stems and sparse foliage. This undermines the plant’s density and overall health.

Which plants should be Hard Pruned?

hibiscus flower

Hard pruning is typically performed on perennial plants with typical stems and numerous branches.

Examples include Tulsi, Curry plant, Hibiscus, Lemon plant, Mango plant, Night Jasmine (Parijat), Aprajita, and Rose plants, etc.

Seasonal plants like annual flowers (Marigold, Petunia, Dahlia, etc.) or vegetables (Tomato, Eggplant, etc.) do not require hard pruning as they complete their life cycle within a single growing season.

Timing of Hard Pruning is crucial

1. Duration: Once in a year

Hard pruning of a plant should ideally be conducted once a year.

  • This frequency is recommended because hard pruning involves major cutting, which can be stressful for plants.

2. When to do Hard Pruning of plants?

We should do hard pruning at the beginning of the growing season of the plant.

For summer and winter plants such as Curry leaves, Tulsi (Holy basil), Night  Jasmine (Parijaat), Roses, etc., it is advisable to perform hard pruning in early spring season.

What are the effects of hard pruning on the plant?

1. Stimulation of Growth: One of the primary effects of hard pruning is the stimulation of new growth.
2. Increased Flowering and Fruit Production: In many cases, hard pruning can lead to increased flowering and fruit production.
3. Structural Strength: Hard pruning can also enhance the structural strength of a plant by promoting the growth of sturdy, well-branched stems and branches.

4. Disease Prevention: By removing diseased or infected wood, hard pruning can help prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases within the plant.

5. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: In addition to its practical benefits, hard pruning can also improve the aesthetic appeal of a plant by shaping it into a more attractive form.

Proper Tools and Equipment

pruning

Using the proper tools and equipment is essential for successful hard pruning.

  • Sharp, clean pruning shears or saws should be used to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
  • It is also essential to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, to prevent injury while pruning.

Fertilizers after Hard Pruning

Fertilizer after hard pruning
Add Fertilizer after hard pruning

After hard pruning, loosen the soil and apply a light, healthy fertilizer to your plant. You can use mustard cake, neem cake, vermicompost, or any other suitable fertilizer.

This was all about “HARD PRUNING”.

Make Your Own Garden!