When should I dig up a blossom tree?

[Liam Taylor]

Hello. I have a question please.
There is a Pink Cherry Blossom, well I think thats what it is, in my yard that I would like to dig up and train into a bonsai. My question is about when to dig?
I understand that it is best to do when it is dormant however should I dig before or after it flowers?
Any advice would be appreciated. Liam

[Leigh Taafe]

G'day mate! Late June would be the best time for you I reckon, even sneak away with it early July. What do you other Sydneyites reckon? We would do them in late July down here in Canberra.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[kcpoole]

A little bit earlier here I think

Before bud swell which depending on the season we have could be any time. Once the tree goes deciduous then decide. I would grab as soon as you can

Whateverr you do I would not let it flow the season you collect it

Ken

[Bretts]

Grants collecting radiata now you guys reckon to dig up a deciduous tree as it goes dormant. I feel like I am re-learning all over again. I thought that the Cherry tree should be collected as it's buds start to swell which would be September October here.

[kcpoole]

Brett, As it starts to sweel is ideal, but living the variable sydney weather, I would not wait till then as for the last several years we have had variable bud break times.
Some of my trees wait till spring, and others have gone off much earlier.
If I waited for the seasons then it would be too late as they have been unpredictable. I believe that it is much safer to take a tree out in dormancy, than have to get it after bud break

Ken

[Joel]

I asked Clinton Nesci last year when it would be best to collect a flowering plum. He told me that i should collect as soon as all leaves have been dropped. I never got around to collecting them (maybe this year?) and so i dont know about after care or how to remove flowers/flower buds etc. Both my tree and yours are in the Prunus family, and should be treated pretty much the same.

Good luck!

JayC

[Asus101]

I collected two apricots last year. I removed one's flower bud and left the other. the one that was allowed to flower is now nearly dead, the other just got sun burnt.

[Liam Taylor]

Thanks very much for the advice everyone. So just to clarify; I should dig it as soon as all the leaves have dropped off but before the blossom buds start to form. Is it right that I should then remove the buds to stop it from flowering? What is the best way to remove them?
Thanks again! Liam

[kcpoole]

Thanks very much for the advice everyone. So just to clarify; I should dig it as soon as all the leaves have dropped off but before the blossom buds start to form. Is it right that I should then remove the buds to stop it from flowering? What is the best way to remove them?
Thanks again! Liam

Yep Liam I woudl do just that.

Wait until after it goes deciduous, but well before bud swell take it out and pot up into a box large pot.

I would either cut backhard to remove the new buds at digging time, or as the flowers become apparent trim them all off.

[Liam Taylor]

Terrific Ken. Thank you for the information. I will update this topic after I lift it from the ground.
If anyone has further advice I would be grateful. Liam

[Bretts]

Hey Liam can you get any pics before you Dig I can't wait.