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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Black medick: when and how to prune
Medicago lupulina
Black medick is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Black medick: when to prune it?
In a wildflower meadow, mow in June and September; in a lawn, mow every 3–6 weeks.
Black medick: how to prune it?
- Mow at 5–8 cm, so that the low stems and heads stay and quickly flower again.
- At the June cut, leave a strip standing here and there for the bees and caterpillars.
- Remove the cuttings after a few days of drying: this keeps the soil poor and the meadow full of flowers.
- As a green manure, cut it before flowering and work it lightly into the top layer of soil.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Black medick · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.