What is Pinching? And Why Should I Do It?

Have you ever wondered why some gardeners can get their summer annuals to grow thick and strong with an abundance of blooms, while yours produces only a couple of stems and just a handful of blooms?

One reason may be that seasoned gardeners have mastered the technique of pinching their annual flowers.

What is pinching? Pinching is a simple practice of removing the central stem of a young plant near the base, just above a set of leaves. This act of cutting back the main stem encourages the plant to produce multiple branches at the pinch site.

So wait. You may be thinking: I've waited weeks for my seedlings to grow and now you tell me to cut them in half??

Although it doesn't make sense at first, the act of pinching is actually quite beneficial to your plant.

Once your plant has been cut back, it can direct its energy into producing multiple branches that produce an abundance of new blooms, instead of just one thick stem in the middle of the plant. When the plant is mature, this simple practice can increase the bloom count 3 to 5 times more than not pinching.

You will be amazed at how much thicker and sturdier your plant will be as well!

What plants can I pinch? Any annual flower that produces many blooms on multiple stems is a good choice for pinching. Some common examples are: Zinnia Dahlia Daisies Marigolds Snapdragons Celosia (the plume varieties) Cosmos Sweet Pea Sweet William

What plants should I NOT pinch?

Plants that typically produce one flower per plant should not be pinched. If you pinch single-stem plants, the plant may never produce a bloom. Common examples are: Single sunflower Cockscomb Stock

How to pinch The best time to pinch is in the cool of the day during early morning or late evening as to prevent excessive stress on the plant. When your plant is around 12 inches tall, use clean, sharp floral scissors or pruners to snip off the central stem just above a set of leaves. I know it may feel like you will kill the plant by doing this but trust me - It is so worth it!

Discard the portion you cut off.

Cut the central stem flush about a set of double leaves.

What do I do next? After you have pinched your plants, watch patiently over the next few days as your plant begins to form new branches at the pinch site. Continue to water and feed your plant regularly to encourage strong, healthy growth. In just a few weeks you will have more blooms than ever, meaning you will have more beauty to cut and enjoy!

Two new side shoots emerge at the pinch site.

Pinching your young plants may seem counterintuitive, but your plants naturally want to make as many flowers as possible, as flowers make seeds and seeds move the species into a new generation. When you pinch your plant, you are encouraging it to do what it does best: make new life.

And who doesn't want more flowers in this big beautiful world? About our farm Thank you for choosing to join our family on this grand adventure, as we grow something beautiful, meaningful, and good. If we haven't met yet, I am Sara Wilson, and my husband Teddy and I own Oklahoma Cut Flower Company in Norman, Oklahoma. We are a micro-farm that grows specialty cut flowers to educate and inspire our local flower-loving community. We offer flower subscriptions, educational workshops, a la carte weddings, and you-pick flower events. We are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

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