Unique Pruning Technique?

lapk78 · May 21, 2020

Pruning technique/philosophy question for you:

Amongst many other cherries, I'm growing an indeterminate beefsteak in a very tall 22" x 22" square cage. I have allowed it to have 4 main growing leads.

I am pruning away suckers, but not immediately. Instead, I let the suckers grow long enough to put on a set of flowers, then I simply cut off the sucker's growing tip. Doing this creates/allows for many more sets of flowers than I'd get otherwise (I assume).

Is this a thing? I feel like it should increase production, without the cage getting too crazy dense with foliage. And I still prune to allow decent airflow. I keep my plants sufficiently watered, and fertilize with Texas Tomato Fertilizer, so I am (hopefully) minimizing any reduction in fruit size.

Is there something I'm not considering? Surely I didn't invent this. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this technique. It's the first time I've ever tried it. Thanks!

May 21, 2020	#1
lapk78 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Antonio, TX Zone 8B Posts: 118	Unique Pruning Technique? Pruning technique/philosophy question for you: Amongst many other cherries, I'm growing an indeterminate beefsteak in a very tall 22" x 22" square cage. I have allowed it to have 4 main growing leads. I am pruning away suckers, but not immediately. Instead, I let the suckers grow long enough to put on a set of flowers, then I simply cut off the sucker's growing tip. Doing this creates/allows for many more sets of flowers than I'd get otherwise (I assume). Is this a thing? I feel like it should increase production, without the cage getting too crazy dense with foliage. And I still prune to allow decent airflow. I keep my plants sufficiently watered, and fertilize with Texas Tomato Fertilizer, so I am (hopefully) minimizing any reduction in fruit size. Is there something I'm not considering? Surely I didn't invent this. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this technique. It's the first time I've ever tried it. Thanks! Last edited by lapk78; May 21, 2020 at 03:42 AM.