How to prune carnations? Pruning time and method

Carnation pruning time

Proper pruning of carnations can make them bloom more and promote their growth and development. Generally, they need to be pruned three times a year, mainly during the budding period, bud formation period and after the flowering period.

How to prune carnations

1. Pruning during the budding period

Carnations need to be topped during the budding stage. The first topping is done when the plant grows 8-9 pairs of true leaves. At this time, only 3-5 need to be left. The second topping is done when the side branches have more than 4 pairs of leaves. The top buds of the lateral branches can be cut off.

2. Daily pruning

Carnations can be heavily pruned during their vigorous growth period. Unsightly branches on the plant can be cut off, and lateral branches close to the main plant should also be pruned to allow the nutrients in the plant to be fully concentrated. Perennial and relatively strong branches should also be cut back to ensure balanced growth.

3. Pregnant bud pruning

When the carnations grow flower buds, just keep the flower buds at the top of the branches and cut off the rest. This will allow the nutrients to be more concentrated. Then comb out the extra flower buds on the side branches. Don't have too many, just 3-5 are enough.

4. Pruning after flowering

After the carnation blooms for the first time, the pedicels should be cut off in time. This will facilitate the plant's secondary flowering and avoid a large consumption of nutrients. Then, the dead and residual flowers on the branches should be cut off, as well as the flower buds that have never bloomed, otherwise it will lead to nutritional imbalance inside the plant.