Photo: GerardM at nl.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Giant hogweed: when and how to prune
Heracleum mantegazzianum
Giant hogweed is best pruned in April–July.
| Pruning months | April–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | No, an invasive alien species |
Giant hogweed: when to prune it?
Dig out in April–May; cut off umbels in June–July, when the first seeds are green.
What else to prune in those months? April · May · June · July
Giant hogweed: how to prune it?
- Always wear full protective clothing and goggles or a face shield.
- Cut through the taproot 10–15 cm below ground: this kills the plant.
- On flowering plants, cut off all umbels, including the smaller side umbels, and remove them in a sealed bag.
- Come back after 2–3 weeks and remove any umbels that reappear.
- Do not use a strimmer that sprays sap around without full protection.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Spreads in the wild at the expense of native species. Better removed than pruned, and never dump the prunings in the countryside.
Caution: Sap on the skin plus sunlight causes severe burns that often appear only after a day and stay visible for a long time. After contact: wash the skin straight away with soap and water, keep it out of the sun for at least two days and see a doctor if blisters form.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Giant hogweed · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.