Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A more considered approach is to thin older
stems in winter and remove spent flowering
stems in spring.
(see page 26, 'When to prune'). Overly
vigorous plants result in reluctance to
f flower or fewer f flowers than would be
possible. Winter is a good time to deal with
tangled congested growth, thin, side growths
as well of course as removing dead or
diseased wood.
Wisteria
Wisteriasinensis
and
W.floribunda
There can be a certain amount of hysteria
when planting wisteria. Perhaps this is due to
the truly terrifying (but spectacular) sight a
rampantly wild wisteria presents. There is no
doubt that an unpruned wisteria is truly
beautiful in flower; however, there are few
who have the landscape space for such an
indulgence. Most situations call for a wall,
pergola or out-building to be covered, but
not submerged! Prune a wisteria to a
framework of branches and some little
attention twice a year is all that is needed for
a well-behaved vine.
Grapes
Vitisvinifera
,
V.labrusca
and
cultivars
This discussion is not aimed at the
commercial grape grower, but the small-scale
producer in home or community gardens. As
with wisteria, a trunk and framework must be
developed before pruning for fruit can begin
(see Figure 4.89). There are two general
methods of grape pruning depending on the
vigor and fruiting habit of the vine. However,
fruit is always carried on new seasons growth
that has originated from buds formed the
previous year (see Figure 4.91).
Start by developing a strong trunk from which
the major scaffold branches will arise. Select
the strongest leader, remove any side growths
and shorten the main stem by a third in
winter to promote vigorous growth (see
Figure 4.89). Continue this regime until the
trunk has reached the desired height. Choose
some strong stems to form the framework/
scaffold branches and tie them in. Prune
these framework branches back to a metre of
new growth in winter until they have
extended to fill the space available.
Spur pruning
Spur-pruned vines have the ability to produce
huge harvests. However, the connoisseur may
prefer cane pruning that produces a smaller
crop with superior quality.
Once the vine's trunk has reached its desired
height, cut out the uppermost buds to
encourage side growth. Select two subsequent
strong growths to form 'arms' or cordons and
tie them to the trellis (see Figure 4.89).
In summer there will be streamers of new
growth that should be pruned back to two to
three buds before it becomes entangled with
the rest of the plant. The flowers form at the
base of these new shoots.
If you are wishing to cover a pergola or
create a fan select four or five canes
depending on the area to be covered. Space
these canes evenly and at wide angles to
maximise air circulation and reduce
fungal problems.
Once the framework has become established
continue to summer prune to reduce vigor
