As warmer, dryer conditions approach, gardeners are looking for ways to keep their plants thriving without constant irrigation. Liam Cleary, an expert in outdoor plants from Old Railway Line Garden Centre, explained: “A simple method called pinching out involves removing the top growth point of a plant to promote branching.”
This leads to a bushier plant with an increased number of blooms, which is particularly advantageous during dry spells. It aids in developing a stronger framework capable of enduring droughts more effectively. Additionally, pinching assists plants in managing wet weather better by preventing overly long and weak growth.
Removing the tips might appear complicated, but Liam claims it’s actually “simple” and can be done “in an instant.” This procedure entails snipping off the soft new growth at the top of the main stem of the plant, as reported.
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- “I have the freedom to set whatever price I desire” — many gas stations are increasing their prices per gallon for frequently used payment methods.
- Include a single piece of fruit in a watering can to strengthen your plants’ growth.
Although it may seem paradoxical to cut back healthy growth, this actually signals the plant to stop growing taller and directs its energy towards producing side branches, ultimately resulting in a fuller and stronger plant.
Wait until the plant reaches at least 15 cm in height and has several lush foliage pairs before identifying the highest growing point located right above a set of leaves.
Next, employ your fingers or sterilized scissors to gently pinch off or snip away roughly one to two centimeters from the soft tip, repeating this process one or two times during the growing season.
Liam commented, “It’s quite rewarding and happens very quickly, yet the outcome is remarkable. Within one or two weeks, you’ll see your plant begin to develop branches.”
The method of pinching back works exceptionally well for fast-growing annuals and delicate perennials prone to shooting up quickly and potentially turning leggy or slender if not regularly shaped.
Liam indicates that this approach works best for plants such as sweet peas, fuchsias, cosmos, snapdragons, basil, mint, and pelargoniums.
This encourages a more lush and dense look, boosts flower or leaf growth, and stops the plants from becoming spindly or overly weighted at the top over time.
It’s recommended to avoid pinching back woody or slow-growing plants like lavender or shrubs, as these are better handled with more precise pruning techniques.
Liam stated, “When uncertain, verify if the plant tends to develop side shoots. Should this be the case, it probably will react positively to having tips removed.”
