1. As side buds form on each branch, remove them, leaving only the terminal bud. 2. Removing the terminal buds during the winter would allow the lateral buds to grow unchecked in the spring, because no growth regulators would be present. 3. Since the terminal buds form the previous season, is there any reason not to shear at least some of the trees in winter? 4. Terminal buds may die, promoting growth in buds lower down the stem. 5. The following year, in late summer, they produce flowers both from terminal buds and from side shoots that grow during that summer. 6. The terminal bud, called palm cabbage, is considered a delicacy. |