(1) Cross pruning method: It is suitable for varieties with small branch opening angle (branch lifting), such as "Zijin Hammer". When the height of the seedlings is about 20 cm, topping will promote the development of new branches. Because the lateral branches are generally symmetrical, two pairs of cross-shaped symmetrical branches are left in the upper part, and all the branches and leaves in the lower part are smoothed. When the lateral branches grow to about 10 cm, remove the top, let the new branches grow after birth, and remove the inward and downward growing lateral branches at any time. Potted plants with a general diameter of 15 ~ 18 cm have 8 ~ 10 branches.
(2) Tower pruning method: it is suitable for varieties with large lateral branches (branches extend horizontally) and vigorous growth, such as "white calyx" and "girl skirt". When the seedlings grow to about 20 cm, all the branches and leaves below 10 cm should be pulled out. After the lateral branches are born, in order to avoid overlapping branches, layered pruning can be used. The first layer leaves two pairs of symmetrical branches, removes two pairs of symmetrical branches, leaves two pairs of symmetrical branches, removes two pairs of symmetrical branches, and so on. Branchlets near the top of the trunk were preserved. If the lateral branches at the base are too long, they can be cut short and the whole plant is tower-shaped.
(3) Natural pruning method: suitable for varieties with creeping branches and weak growth and varieties with large and double flowers. Trim it into a natural shape according to its appearance. When the seedlings grow to 30 ~ 40 cm, remove the top of the trunk, remove the adjacent overlapping branches, and shorten the long branches to promote branching. At any time, shoot inward-growing lateral branches to keep the beautiful plant shape.
Step 2: Pruning the flowering period: In the northern natural environment, the flowering period of Prunus armeniaca is from April to July. The last coring should be stopped in late March of spring. It blooms in the middle and late April. Because the top of the branch keeps blooming and elongating, when the flower branch grows to a certain length, the top should be removed before the new branch can continue to blossom. Branchlets and leaves born in the center of the plant can be knocked off at any time during flowering, which avoids nutrient consumption and is conducive to ventilation and light transmission.
Step 3: Pruning after flowering: In July, when the temperature reaches above 30℃, the plants enter a semi-dormant state. When the leaves are weak, they should be trimmed again to reduce the consumption of nutrients, which is conducive to the safe summer. All the long branches were cut short, leaving only the main branches, and some old leaves were picked and put in a cool place for the summer. If there are buds in summer, pick them. New branches will be issued in autumn and September, and the plant shape will be more compact and beautiful.