Not only the plants in the garden bed need to be pruned at some point, potted plants also usually need pruning. When this should ideally take place depends on various factors. We would be happy to explain to you what these are.
When is the best time to prune potted plants?
When should you cut potted plants? The ideal time to prune container plants varies depending on the plant and overwintering method. For plants that have overwintered in the garden, it is advisable to prune them in spring; if they have been overwintered frost-free, pruning can take place in autumn. Sick plants should be cut back immediately.
When is the best time to cut?
The ideal time for cutting potted plants cannot be generally determined. It varies from plant to plant and also depends on how your potted plants overwinter.
Pruning in spring
If you let your potted plants overwinter outside in the garden, then cutting them back in spring is usually the best solution. The (wilted) green is ideal frost protection in winter and you shouldn't do without it. However, do not cut sensitive plants too early, but only when significant night frosts are no longer expected.
Pruning in autumn
If you want your potted plants to spend the winter in a frost-free winter quarters, then the plants can be cut in autumn. If the space in the winter quarters is (very) limited, then this may even be necessary. However, you should then make sure that you do not bring your potted plants outside too early in the spring. For frost-sensitive plants, be sure to wait for the Ice Saints.
Special case of sick plants
Sick potted plants should be cut back immediately if necessary. If you do not remove parts of the plant that are affected by fungus in a timely manner, for example, the plant may die. Dry branches and shoots can also be cut off at any time of the year.
What should I pay attention to when pruning?
When pruning, always use clean and sharp tools and always cut appropriately. There are a variety of different potted plants, some of which can be encouraged to bloom a second time through targeted pruning.
The most important things in brief:
- use clean and sharp tools
- cut each plant as needed
- Pruning in autumn (only) if the winter is frost-free
Tip
Before pruning, find out which cut (time) is ideal for your potted plant.
