Vegetative Growth

Vegetative vigor refers to excessive growth of leaves and shoots at the expense of flowering and fruiting. It is most often the result of overly intensive nitrogen fertilization, overwatering, or improper nutrient ratios. Such plants look very healthy, with dark green leaves and thick shoots, but they often produce fewer fruits and begin ripening later. The gardener’s goal is not to grow the largest possible plant, but to maintain a balance between the growth of foliage and fruit production. If these symptoms appear, first reduce the nitrogen supply, check the soil moisture, and avoid abruptly removing a large number of leaves.