skip to main content

Dumb Newbie Question

12 years ago

I have 1 dead candle/bud on a Pinus cembra. I'm not sure where to cut it back. Its just one stem about 18" long with no other new buds. Do I just cut below the dead bud or do I need to cut back all the way to the next lateral like you do for deciduous plants?

I can post a pic if the explanation is ambiguous.

By the way I snapped half the bud (or is candle the right term?) to see if there where any insects or other abnormalities...but just a dry brown candle.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

gardener365
12 years ago
Keep cutting till you see (any) green).

Don't (assume) if you cut far back that the branch will recover though.

Dax
whaas_5a
Original Author
12 years ago
There is green right below the bud...its just seemed like a strange place to cut after an initial glace so I thought I'd ask. I just so used to cut back either A) to the main trunk or 1/4 above the next lateral or bud.

Will it push out new buds in that area?
Related Discussions
Dumb newby question about watering...while I'm away!
Q
Comments (3)
I think a wicking system can be done using whatever size water container you think the pot will need (allowing for evaporation). It should be higher than the pot with a wick going from the water container down into the soil. I think the upside down things would just drain into the soil and out the drainage holes. It might be possible to drill a very tiny hole in something, but still you know how fast you can fill a bucket from a drip, drip, drip.
...See More
Chicken keeping
Q
Comments (1)
Sami56, my son has 9 fancy chickens, the golden polish, bantams etc, he has a movable pen, it does get smelly after a few days in one spot and he lets them out to free range most every day. They are so pretty, he was getting 10, only one didn't make it, so the littlest is the only one of her kind, the others are 2. they are not laying yet and we are not for sure about roosters, only one really looks like a rooster, one of the golden polish is bigger and seems to have the pointed tail feathers like they say the roosters have.
...See More
prob. dumb newbie question: unhappy Cecile Brunner
Q
Comments (7)
Just a quick report back: as you all predicted, my Cecile is indeed settling in nicely. Vibrant green leaves near the base of the plant, new growth all over. Now I'm getting scared. (: My Banksiae took a year to look so contented! Having entered the world of antique roses, I can see there's no going back, by the way. A friend has a gorgeous Joseph's Coat and gave me a cutting; she also has a rose I couldn't possibly describe but it's an energetic spring bloomer around here, deep magenta color, flowers are almost daisylike (not that oval-shaped "typical rose" look at all) and despite my friend's total neglect of that plant, that rose is super-happy and gorgeous, and she gave me a cutting of that one too. Any advice for starting antiques from cuttings, or should I just do what the folks on the cuttings/propagation forum suggest? (I have them all in my fridge right now...)
...See More
how many slits in milk jug bottoms?
Q
Comments (7)
12 to 16 holes. Four in the indentation (two in the bottom, one each near the top of the indent, on the side of the jug); four on the bottom, one in each quadrant; and then two in each of the two "hard" corners, on the side right at the bottom of the jug. Sometimes, depending on how I feel (and no other logical reason, lol), I'll also put two in each of the softer corners, the one where the indentation is. These are also right at the bottom edge on the side, as opposed to the one higher up actually in the indentation. Well, I just re-read my post and it's clear as mud... :) Dee
...See More
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
12 years ago
"Will it push out new buds in that area?"

Not likely on a pine. But since all your plants are new I'd be inclined to keep as much green on it as possible. Just be aware that portion will die eventually. You would normally cut back to some side growth, be it a visible bud or a lateral.

tj
gardener365
12 years ago
...on a pine candle you can cut as far back as long as there are needles. Buds will form anywhere on a candle for next-year be if this is the case.

You should always wait a year, but Tom says it equally-right.

I've had several one-year grafts that pushed the following year when I thought for sure there was nothing, furthermore.

Dax

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: An Illinois Loft Sparks Renovation Fever

By Becky Harris

Home improvement newbies (and newlyweds) find joy and a new income source while redoing their space themselves

WOODWORKING 7 Must-Have Measuring Tools for Woodworking

By R. Olson Design

Whether you're a newbie DIYer or building cabinets from scratch, using the right woodshop tools makes all the difference

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

MOST POPULAR 10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

WALL TREATMENTS Pick the Right Paint Finish to Fit Your Style

By Laura Gaskill

The question of finish may be as crucial as color. See which of these 9 varieties suits your space — and budget

FARM YOUR YARD 4 Farm-Fresh Chicken Coops in Urban Backyards

By Becky Harris

These Atlanta henhouses are worth crowing about for their charming, practical designs

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzzers Say: Top Dream Kitchen Must-Haves

By Becky Harris

Tricked-out cabinets, clean countertops and convenience top the list

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of decorating alone and bringing in skilled help

Sponsored

More Discussions

crazy weather :-(

24

Table Mnt pine male cones

15

Metasequoia glyptostroboides in z4

18

Some conifers of interest.

4

Ponderosa pine Montana champ

4