How to pinch back petunias? This is the correct way to do it

1. What is pinching

Many plants need to go through pinching. So, what exactly does it mean? Actually, it is very simple: you pinch off the top tip of the plant, removing the stem's growing point. Doing this can ultimately increase its yield. It is also called "removing apical dominance." For this plant, it is also needed.

2. How many is better

Pinching this plant is likewise not difficult; you just pinch off the leaves at the top. As for the number, generally speaking, the leaves left on a branch must be more than two. At the base of each leaf, a branch may grow out. So the leaves left must be more than two. However, this is the general principle. As for exactly how many to pinch, it still depends on the specific shape of the plant. Different plant shapes are inevitably different, so the number to pinch will also differ. In addition, there is another little trick: decide according to the season. Generally, in spring and summer you can leave three or four leaves. If it is autumn or winter, you can leave four or five. However, this is not a fixed rule either; it is safest for readers to decide based on the actual situation.

3. Reference points

(1) The first is the density of the internodes (the length of the stem between two leaves). If the stem is too long due to leggy growth, then it is best to pinch it off.

(2) Next is the density and position of this branch relative to other branches. That is to say, the direction of the branches sprouting from the leaves we keep must match the overall direction. This is not easy to grasp, but it will be fine after experimenting a few more times.

(3) Pinching can be done together with thinning leaves. Wherever you see that the leaves are very dense, you can remove some.

(4) We need to follow one principle: ensure that the entire plant is well-proportioned.