To pinch or not to pinch?

Have you noticed that some of your annuals flower on a single stem, wispy and once you cut the flower, it’s all over? Then other times, they produce buckets and buckets of blooms all summer? Ahhh that’s pinching out for you!

But. There is also the opposite. I have a few times forgotten this rule, pinched out a tray only to remember that insert plant name does not like being pinched out and I have lost the opportunity for flowers.

There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason. In the main, if in doubt, pinch it out. That is to say, when the plant has about 5 sets of leaves, pinch down with your thumb and forefinger, or a sharp pair of snips, down to 2 sets. This is quite hard to do the first time. It feels counter intuitive - see last week’s piece on tough love!

However, as I wrote, stronger root systems, more branching and a much better plant results. As a single stem rises growing strongly, chop it off down hard and allow the auxiliary growth to develop between the remaining branches. The plant will mirror this below the soil, with roots branching off. More stability, more surface to connect with the soil, exchange nutrients, carbon, minerals and find water.

However, I do have a list and it’s a good reference. Screen shot it and put it in a folder on your phone to look at when you are at this stage. Or print off and stick it on the shed wall.

Happy pinching!