When is the best time to prune tangerines? The best time to prune in spring, summer, autumn and winter

Time for pruning tangerines

Satsuma mandarin oranges grow fast, so they need to be pruned regularly during the growing period . Usually, Satsuma mandarin oranges can be pruned all year round , but the best pruning is in summer and winter , when pruning can make the Satsuma mandarin oranges grow better.

Methods of pruning tangerines

1. Trunk

After planting the mandarin orange, the main trunk needs to be determined and it needs to be cut off 35 to 45 cm from the ground. After it grows new shoots, some unhealthy and weak branches need to be cut off, leaving only 3-4 vigorously growing branches.

2. Topping and pinching

When the branches of the mandarin orange have not yet grown to maturity, you can do the topping and pinching work, which means pruning off the tender leaves on the top of the branches. This is done to control its growth height and promote stronger growth of the branches.

3. Remove new sprouts

When the newly sprouted branches of the mandarin orange grow to 1-3 cm, the buds need to be removed. When the buds on the branches are uneven, all the buds should be removed first. This can promote the germination of new buds of the mandarin orange.

4. Shorten

If there are long branches growing during the growth period of the mandarin orange, they should be appropriately shortened. Generally, one-third of the branches should be pruned. If the branches grow too long, they should be cut back to half of their length. This can help the branches grow and mature and is also more conducive to the sprouting of new branches.

5. Pruning during dormancy

During the winter dormancy period, all the dead branches, diseased branches, crossed branches, and branches and leaves that affect the appearance of the mandarin orange need to be cut off to reduce nutrient consumption, promote its growth more luxuriantly, help it survive the winter, and produce brighter flowers and more delicious fruits.

Things to note when pruning tangerines

After pruning the mandarin oranges, you can apply fungicides or callus antiseptic film to prevent the wound from being threatened by pests and diseases and make the wound heal quickly. Be careful not to water or fertilize immediately, otherwise it will easily cause the wound to rot. After each pruning, it needs to be placed in an environment with sufficient light for maintenance, and wait until the soil is almost dry before watering.