Photo: Retama, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Curled dock: when and how to prune
Rumex crispus
Curled dock is best pruned in March, July and September.
| Pruning months | March, July and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Curled dock: when to prune it?
In July, cut the first flowering stems if you want to limit self-seeding, the rest in September. Stems you leave for the birds are cut in March.
What else to prune in those months? March · July · September
Curled dock: how to prune it?
- Cut the flowering stems just above the leaf rosette before the seeds ripen; the rosette itself stays.
- Leave one or two stems standing through winter for the birds and cut them in March.
- Do not put spikes with ripe seed on the compost heap: the seeds often survive there.
- Mowing alone will not get rid of it: the plant quickly regrows from the root.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 3 pruning periods a year: March, July 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.
Caution: The seed stays viable in the soil for years, even decades: letting it seed for just one year means years of work.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Curled dock · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.