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View Full Version : Will pup separation hurt mother?


rich985
04-10-2010, 08:01 PM
My 1 year old 11 foot tall Ice Cream has 7 rather large pups (4-7ft) and I want to move some around in my garden. Will cutting a large pup such as 5 feet affect the mother plant's health? I'm also concerned about affecting flowering, because I think the mother should flower for the first time right about now.

Also, my 4 foot tall Dwarf Red has about 8 small pups, should I separate some or will it slow down mother's growth?

pitangadiego
04-10-2010, 08:46 PM
Yes. Remove one or two, and give it some time, and maybe a couple more. Removing pups, esp of that size is a majorproject and there will be root damage and stress for the parent plant. That stress will translate into less fruit and smaller fruit, depending on how brutal you are in the removal process.

Abnshrek
04-10-2010, 10:52 PM
Unless you need the pups you could just chop 5 or 6 off at ground level to better your chances. No root damage :^)

gadget
04-10-2010, 11:42 PM
this is the time of year to do it. the first plant will be smaller and smaller fruit anyway so take some pups off. just a few from one side and leave the biggest pup.

Scott
04-11-2010, 11:33 AM
I would leave the largest and smallest pups. The largest will be your next fruit bearer.
When I remove pups, I replace the pup with compost from Home Depot...usually black cow. Would love to have a pile of horse crap someplace close to the house....