How to Get Rid of Fruit Blossoms

As a fruit-bearing plant matures, it develops blossoms, and some of the blossoms mature and yield fruit. To ensure the health of the plant and the fruit it bears, some farmers remove the blossoms prematurely. This prevents low-quality and small fruit from forming and ensures that the upcoming fruit is properly nourished. You can remove blossoms from fruit-bearing plants by hand or machine. The method you choose depends on the number of blossoms you need to pick.

Gardening shears (optional)
Mechanical string thinner (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Pinch the stem behind the blossom and gently pull off the entire blossom. Pick the blossoms one branch at a time to keep track of where you are. Perform this task over the course of several days to prevent injury to your hands.
- 2
  Cut the stem behind the blossom with gardening shears. If you elect to use this method, perform it also over several days to prevent injury to your hands.
- 3
  Drive a mechanical string thinner between blossoming fruit trees that are heavily covered. A string thinner is similar to a tractor and contains a rotating spindle with protruding arms that remove blossoms. After using the string thinner, perform touchups by hand if necessary.

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