Girdling is an effective technique used to control the growth of flowers and trees, promoting better flowering and fruiting. During the process, it's important to select strong shoots or branches near their base, and the depth of the girdle should be adjusted according to the thickness of the twig. The goal is to cut through the cortex (phloem) without damaging the xylem, typically ranging from 0.2 to 1 cm in depth.
The timing of girdling is crucial. It should be done before flower bud differentiation occurs. However, the exact period depends on the type of plant. For early spring and spring-to-summer bloomers, flower buds usually form during the summer and autumn of the previous year, so girdling should take place between June and August. For plants that flower in summer and autumn, girdling should occur after new shoots have stopped growing. For those that bloom continuously throughout the year, girdling should follow each flowering cycle.
Fruit trees benefit from girdling 15 to 20 days after flowering, before fruit drop. Examples include kumquat, bergamot, ginkgo, pomegranate, papaya, and others. Girdling on vigorous branches during sunny days can help reduce flower and fruit loss while increasing fruit set.
This technique is also useful for cutting propagation, especially for plants that are difficult to root, such as osmanthus, camellia, hydrangea, and pittosporum. When using this method, choose healthy, disease-free branches from the current season that are fully lignified. Strip a 0.5 to 1 cm wide strip of bark at the base, leave it for about 15 days, then cut it into cuttings. This method improves rooting speed and success rate compared to direct pruning.
For high-pressure girdling, suitable for plants like peonies, mimosa, rubber trees, and azaleas, select 1–2-year-old shoots. Girdle them during active growth, scraping off a thin layer of the woody surface. Wrap the girdled area with plastic, fill it with moist sand or moss, and keep it tightly sealed. Maintain consistent moisture until roots develop, then transplant the new plant.
When performing girdling, timing is key. If done too early, the wound may heal before flower buds begin to form, reducing the effectiveness. If done too late, the flower bud differentiation period may have passed, leading to minimal results. The width of the girdle should generally be about 1/10 of the branch diameter, but for propagation, it can be 1–2 times the diameter. Too narrow a girdle may cause the wound to heal too quickly, hindering rooting.
The depth of the girdle should not damage the xylem; instead, scrape just enough to expose the woody layer, preventing the wound from healing prematurely and ensuring successful rooting. The amount of girdling per tree should be carefully managed—no more than 1/2 to 2/3 of the total branches. Leaving some branches un-girdled ensures the root system still receives enough nutrients, avoiding excessive stress that could lead to early aging.
After girdling, proper care is essential. Provide adequate water and fertilizer, monitor for pests and diseases, and ensure the plant remains healthy. Protect the girdled area with plastic wrap and check the wound every 20–30 days. Remove the covering once the wound has healed. Avoid applying unnecessary ointments or antibiotics, as they can interfere with healing and even cause branch death. Always allow the wound to heal naturally for the best results.
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