Should I nip out the tops of Petunias?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by JWK, May 23, 2012.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Just planted up some containers with Petunias I've grown from plugs, they are about 4" to 6" tall. There are a couple of flower buds forming, should I nip out the tops?
     
  2. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    I just let petunias grow , they seem to branch and bush up OK by themselves. When they are growing I do cut back the odd stem that seems to grow at twice the rate of the others , this is just to keep it in shape . When they are growing they do benefit from regular deadheading.
     
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    • gcc3663

      gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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      I buy Surfinias from my local Nursery (I've no heat in the Greenhouse and it's chilly up North until May). When I buy them they've already been nipped, which seems to make them a broader plant and a strong plant.
      Petunias I seldom actually buy. I prefer Begonias for pots.
       
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      • Kristen

        Kristen Under gardener

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        I let them grow too, they branch and bush-up well enough by themselves (and as with anything pinching out the tops will put them back a couple of weeks I reckon).

        I'm doing Red, White and Blue this year, to be patriotic ... but only the Red and Blue plugs have arrived so far (that was ages ago, they are about to flower now ...) so gawd knows what it will look like :(
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          I'm growing these as part of a Jubilee colour scheme (same as you Kristen) and hopefully they will be in flower in time for our Street Party. So I won't nip them out, thanks folks.
           
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          • HarryS

            HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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            Snap ! I am doing red white and blue as well :blue thumb:Good job I bought them , as all my salvias have caught the dreaded lurgy and I have lost them all :mad:
             
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