Where does new growth develop on a pruned stem or branch?

Where does new growth develop on a pruned stem or branch?

• A. At the lateral bud closest to the cut
• B. At the terminal bud closest to the cut
• C. At the bud near the ground
• D. On the opposite side of the cut

Answer: (A)

When a stem is pruned, dormant buds along the stem become potential sources of new growth. The bud that typically breaks dormancy first is the lateral (axillary) bud closest to the cut because pruning relieves apical dominance—the top of the plant sending hormones that suppress nearby buds. With the tip’s influence reduced, the nearest lateral bud receives the signal and resources to wake up and push out new growth, making it the growth point you’ll see after pruning. Buds farther from the cut or the terminal tip aren’t activated as quickly under these conditions. If you want to steer growth, you can trim just above the bud you want to develop next.

When a stem is pruned, dormant buds along the stem become potential sources of new growth. The bud that typically breaks dormancy first is the lateral (axillary) bud closest to the cut because pruning relieves apical dominance—the top of the plant sending hormones that suppress nearby buds. With the tip’s influence reduced, the nearest lateral bud receives the signal and resources to wake up and push out new growth, making it the growth point you’ll see after pruning. Buds farther from the cut or the terminal tip aren’t activated as quickly under these conditions. If you want to steer growth, you can trim just above the bud you want to develop next.