Lesley Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 I don't usually grow flowers, but I've sown sweet peas this year. I've lost the packet and I'm sure it said I need to pinch the tops out? Can someone tell me at which stage I have to do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 The best rule of thumb is to pinch out when there are about three 'knuckles' (joints where the leaves grow) however, if you've missed this then you can do it at any point The reason for pinching out is to encourage the plant to make two new stems (the leaf nodules will change themselves into stems) thus making the plant bushier and so you get more flowers. I never remember at the right time so I just do it when I notice the plants getting leggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 22, 2007 Author Share Posted May 22, 2007 Thanks Tara - I'm more used to peas for eating I'll go and do them this morning - probably a bit leggy now but I'm sure they'll be better for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 I just went to look at mine to find they have all been munched by slugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 If the stems are still Sarah, they'll grow back not trouble! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I have some sweet peas that have just germinated & it didn't say anything on the packet about pinching them out, but it is something I have always done & will do to these plants after reading this thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I havent even got mine in yet! I will get round to it over the holiday - i hope!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I planted mine in the autumn and they were doing really well in my little plastic green house. Until the wind blew it over and snapped all my seedlings I replanted them and pinched out the tips today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 I have a lot living upstairs on my windowsill-they're very leggy as they were planted in November-I think. Keep meaning to plant them out soon, will probably do so when I plant out my Broad beans, which are now overwintering sat on the patio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 if they've been on a windowsill they will need to hardened off first, and it may be best to wait untill this coldsnap has passed. Pinch them out now though. sorry that sounds really bossy, I mean....if I were you I'd pinch them out and wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 Oh bought me some tiny plants from B & Q back in February and we planted them out straight away because they had been kept outdoors and they are growing slowly but surely. It said 12 plants on the label but in each hole there were 5 - 6 plants so I have loads - they are spencer mixed I usually plant them too late and thanks for the tip about the tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
