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Pruning

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Problem solving
Apologies for what may be a complete novice question but when it states to ‘cut back hard’, to what extent is hard?

I have some Thyme (citriodorus and serpyllum) which will require cutting back hard (in spring and after flowering respectively) but I haven’t a clue just how much and how to cut back hard!

Any help would be much appreciated.

 Thanks.

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Without pruning they just get really long stems with few leaves and look tatty.
    If you prune each year it keeps them strong and bushy.
    You can take it back as much as you like, BUT always make sure there are some green shoots BELOW where you cut back. Those shoots will grow and keep the bush tidy.
    I go over them with scissors taking off 1-2" at a time until it looks ok and there are still plenty of green shoots below where I've cut ready to grow on

    I give mine a feed after pruning and that's the only time they get fed

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Great, thanks. 

    With the citriodorus, it recommends cutting back in early/mid spring - despite us been a week or so away from ‘summer’, as the spring has been so cold, would cutting it back now be ok?
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