INCREASE FLOWER SIZE OR NUMBERS

Pinching out a plant will often cause it to produce more, but smaller, flowers. This is because, if the growing tip bud is removed, the side shoots will be spurred into flower production (see box, left). Conversely, removing the side buds (disbudding) will produce a single large flower on a tall stem – a popular trick among growers of show chrysanthemums, peonies, carnations and pinks.