As we move from spring into summer, there are several gardening activities that we should keep in mind. The first is pinching. What does a gardener mean by pinching? In pinching, the gardener removes a small portion of the tip growth of a plant. Use your fingernail, scissors or small hand pruners to remove a quarter inch of plant growth from the end of a shoot or stem.
The objective of pinching is to promote branching and bushiness. By removing tip growth, the plant temporarily loses its ability to make any additional extension of that shoot. The process of pinching not only removed the tissue that was needed for extension of shoot growth, but a plant chemical compound was also removed that suppressed the development of side shoots.
It is for these two reasons (removal of tissue and removal of the chemical) that the plant then develops side shoots. Why do we care if the plant forms side shoots or only terminal growth? The best and sometimes the only flowering and fruiting occurs on side branches. In addition, the greater the number of branches, the more flowers that will be produced.
Pinching of an upright terminal also lowers the height of the plant at maturity.
To promote a bushy, compact and more aesthetically pleasing plant, pinching is a must!
Do your chrysanthemums, fall asters and numerous other perennials require staking and tying to prevent their tall, willowy stems from falling over? The later in the year that a plant is to flower, the more necessary is it that you pinch its tip growth - sometime repeatedly. Properly done, pinching never harms a plant. When a hedge is trimmed, it has been pinched. When a lawn is mowed, it has been pinched.
The second summer activity that needs doing is deadheading. The term refers to the removal of faded flower heads so as to prevent the production of unwanted seeds and to improve the appearance of flowering plants. The removal of faded flowers before the plant is able to produce seed directs plant energy (which is always in limited supply) away from seed production and into plant growth and repeat flowering.
Deadheading improves plant appearance immediately and will reduce the potential of diseases that attack soft dead tissue.
When the individual flower spikes of perennials are done flowering, the stems should be cut back down to the leafy portion of the plant. Often a new flush of blooming will appear within a few weeks of deadheading. Perennials that flower on multiple stems may be deadheaded with the careful use of hedge shears.
The faded flowers of marigolds, zinnias and other annuals should be cut or snapped off. Their removal will stimulate season-long repeat blooming.
Do not neglect your shrubs. When rhododendrons and lilacs are done blooming, snap or prune off their faded flowers to stimulate healthy vegetative growth and increased flowering next year. Do not forget the roses! Prune or deadhead their faded flowers.
It is the season to be a pincher and a deadheader.
As an avid horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening, I've delved deeply into the nuances of plant care and cultivation. My expertise is grounded in practical application, having successfully managed diverse gardens and landscapes. I've experimented with various techniques to understand their impact on plant growth, flowering, and overall health. Additionally, my knowledge extends to the scientific principles that underlie these horticultural practices.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Pinching:
- Definition: Pinching involves removing a small portion of the tip growth of a plant using methods such as fingernails, scissors, or small hand pruners.
- Purpose: The objective of pinching is to promote branching and bushiness in plants. By removing tip growth, the plant loses its ability to extend that shoot, leading to the development of side shoots.
- Mechanism: Pinching achieves two goals - it removes the tissue necessary for shoot extension and eliminates a plant chemical compound that suppresses side shoot development.
- Benefits: Plants with more branches tend to produce more flowers. Pinching also reduces the height of an upright terminal, promoting a bushier and more compact growth form.
-
Deadheading:
- Definition: Deadheading refers to the removal of faded flower heads to prevent the production of unwanted seeds and enhance the appearance of flowering plants.
- Purpose: Deadheading directs plant energy away from seed production, channeling it into plant growth and encouraging repeat flowering.
- Implementation: The stems of perennials should be cut back to the leafy portion of the plant after individual flower spikes are done flowering. Annuals like marigolds and zinnias benefit from the removal of faded flowers to stimulate repeat blooming.
- Benefits: Deadheading immediately improves plant appearance and reduces the risk of diseases attacking soft dead tissue.
-
Application to Various Plants:
- Chrysanthemums, Fall Asters, and Perennials: Pinching is crucial for preventing tall, willowy stems and promoting a bushy growth form. The later in the year a plant is to flower, the more important it is to pinch its tip growth.
- Shrubs (Rhododendrons, Lilacs, Roses): Deadheading is recommended for shrubs like rhododendrons, lilacs, and roses after they finish blooming. This stimulates healthy vegetative growth and increased flowering in the following year.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of pinching and deadheading as essential gardening activities during the transition from spring to summer. These practices contribute to the overall health, appearance, and productivity of a variety of plants, from perennials to shrubs.
