Commercial Floriculture

Where and how to prune?

• Every rose stems has eyes (buds) alternating on opposite sides in the leaf axils (usually outward and inward).
• The basic rule in pruning is always to make the cut about half a centimeter above a vigorous bud that finds in the direction one desires the new shoot to grow.
• Since the rose bush has to be kept open in the centre.
• The cut is made at an outward growing bud in standard roses as well as in floribundas.
• Where as in climbing roses the pruning is done at a bud pointing more or less upward.
• Always encourage outward bud to expose the center open.
• Whichever the bud is selected the cut should be slightly slant. As the horizontal cut retains moisture / sap and therefore, is liable to cause fungal growth,
• While making the cut care should be taken not to make it too high above the eye (bud) as there may be chance of die back of shoot.
• On the other hand if the cut is very nearer to the bud, it may die due to sap flow. So cut one inch above the bud.
• It is absolutely necessary to cut the sharp end clean because the broken tissues, bruises or hanging shreds of bark will invite for infestation of pests & diseases.
• All the cut ends should be pasted with cane sealer (copper fungicide) against the attack of fungus and cane boring insects.
• Within a fortnight after pruning new flush of growth will start and within 45 days of pruning new flowers are ready for harvesting.

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