Slow main stem growth
 

I have an ice cream with a main stem of about 10' but is not emerging much while the pups are growing fast. There were 3 pups and I cut one. They have been growing since March. The mother did not bloom last year so I thought it should continue on. Is this true? Should I cut it back further? Has it run its course?
Many thanks,
Woods

Re: Slow main stem growth
 

It sorta sounds like it's doing whatever it feels like, which is pretty much what they do anyway.
Fertilize the heck out of the thing it & maybe dump some compost or worm poop around it.
If you're looking to get fruit, let it grow, it'll get around to flowering whenever it feels ready.
The same goes if you're just after greenery or into getting more pups, it'll help feed the corm & promote growth of new pups.
Bottom line is feed it & watch it, as soon as it warms up more it'll probably take off, (if it wants too).
They like to behave like teenagers a lot.:waving:

Re: Slow main stem growth
 

Remove all but one of the pups -- the smallest one. Then feed it something that is low in nitrogen and has both phosphate and potash, for example: 3-6-6, or 10-20-30, or 4-26-26, or 6-30-30. If you have more questions send me a PM.

Re: Slow main stem growth
 

I agree with Richard,Fertilize them with a low nitrogen fertilizer so it focuses on blooms rather than foliage.