To properly prune royalty raspberries, it is important to follow a few key steps. Pruning is typically done in the summer, and the goal is to remove the tips of the new shoots (canes) when they reach a height of 36 to 48 inches. This helps to promote a more compact and manageable growth habit for the plant.
1. Timing: Pruning should be done between late May and late July, during the summer months when the new shoots are actively growing. It is important to monitor the growth of the canes regularly to ensure that you catch them at the right height for pruning.
2. Pinching: When the new shoots reach the desired height, use your fingers or a sharp pair of garden shears to pinch or cut off approximately 3 to 4 inches of the shoot tips. This encourages branching and lateral growth, which can lead to a fuller and more productive raspberry plant.
3. Regularity: Since not all new shoots will reach the desired height at the same time, it is crucial to check the plant frequently and prune as needed. This may require weekly pinching sessions throughout the summer to keep the plant in check.
4. Dispose of pruned material: After pruning, it is important to collect and remove the pruned material from the vicinity of the plant. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases or pests that may be present on the removed shoots.
5. Maintenance pruning: In addition to summer pruning, maintenance pruning should also be done in late winter or early spring. This involves removing any dead, damaged, or weak canes to improve the overall health and vigor of the plant. It is also a good time to thin out overcrowded canes, leaving only the strongest and most productive ones.
Personal experience: I have been growing royalty raspberries in my garden for several years, and regular pruning has been crucial in maintaining their health and productivity. By following the recommended pruning techniques, I have noticed a significant improvement in the growth and yield of my raspberry plants. The pinching method has helped to keep the plants more compact and easier to manage, while also encouraging lateral growth and maximizing fruit production. Regular monitoring and pruning have become a routine part of my summer gardening tasks, ensuring that my royalty raspberries thrive year after year.
Pruning royalty raspberries involves regularly pinching or cutting off the tips of the new shoots when they reach a height of 36 to 48 inches during the summer months. This encourages branching and lateral growth, leading to a fuller and more productive plant. It is important to monitor the growth regularly and prune as needed, disposing of the pruned material to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, maintenance pruning in late winter or early spring helps to remove dead or weak canes and thin out overcrowded growth.
