Tipping methods for different varieties of petunias

Importance of pinching

Different people raising the same flower seedlings will eventually grow very different flowers. The reason may be that they missed some details in the flower-growing process, such as the process of pinching. As for petunias, different varieties have different pinching methods.

Topping method

Small flower dwarf cattle

The characteristics of this variety are: there are many side branches and it is very easy to form balls, so it can form balls even without pinching. However, after the seedlings sprout and branch out, the side branches will become too dense. At this time, it is best to choose to remove a few large leaves to avoid blocking the sunlight needed for the growth of the young buds.

Fertilizer: Fertilizer can be applied from the beginning of transplanting. A small amount of fermented chicken manure can be added to the soil. Quick-acting fertilizers such as Biwang can also be used appropriately at normal times. The concentration should be one-fourth to one-third of the normal concentration. When planting, it is necessary to ensure that there is sufficient base fertilizer. The more commonly used ones are fermented chicken manure, bone meal, fermented cake and fat bone meal. For a pot with a diameter of 20 cm, the amount of base fertilizer used is about three handfuls. Before flowering, you can spray high-phosphorus fertilizers such as Bihuahua.

Recommendation: Use a pot with a diameter of 20 cm-25 cm and a depth of 18-20 cm for cultivation. Normally, you can harvest a 35-40 cm flower ball.

American cow

The characteristics of this variety are: due to the soft branches, it has excellent dangling and average light requirements.

Recommendation: Use a pot with a diameter of 25 cm-40 cm and a depth of 20-25 cm for cultivation. Normally, you can harvest a 50-70 cm flower ball.

Pinching method: In a sunny environment, the sufficient sunlight time is generally from 8 am to 1 pm, and pinching should be carried out under this condition. There is no need to pinch the tips in a full-sun environment, so flower lovers should make their choice based on the actual environment. The growth of the weeping cowberry starts rapidly about a month after sowing, with side branches growing out from the bottom first. Usually, pinching starts after planting. To prevent the "Mediterranean baldness phenomenon", do not pinch the main trunk of the cowpea. The side branches at the bottom can be left longer, and the side branches above close to the edge of the pot can be pinched more, leaving about 4-6 leaves. When the plant is full after several pinchings, pinch all the main branches and side branches again to achieve simultaneous flowering.

Single-petal dwarf cattle

The characteristics of this variety are: similar to those of the mini dwarf cattleya, and the pot size is also similar. The method of pinching is relatively simple. Generally speaking, 2-3 rounds of pinching are enough to make the flowers bloom out of the pot.

Heavy cattle

The characteristics of this variety are: the flowers are large and luxurious, and at the same time they are highly upright, with few side branches and require multiple pinching.

Recommendation: Use a pot with a diameter of 25 cm-30 cm and a depth of 20-25 cm for cultivation. Normally, you can harvest a 40-60 cm flower ball.

Pinching method: Pinching should not be done immediately after planting. Wait until the side branches and the main branches are about ten to fifteen centimeters long, then pinch all the branches, leaving three to four leaves on each branch. If the light conditions are good, two to three more side branches will grow. Still leave three to four leaves and repeatedly pinch the branches until they grow into a shape that you are satisfied with. Finally, pinch all the branches again to ensure that they bloom at the same time. It is difficult to control the shape of some varieties of Cauliflower, such as the Rotating Series and the Duet Series. Because the plants are relatively tall, it is difficult to produce many side buds even after pinching. Here we recommend varieties such as Summer as the choice for beginners.

A few notes

Petunias will produce seeds after flowering, and it is best to remove the seeds. Because the formation of seeds takes up a lot of nutrients, the flowers will not bloom well.

If the flowers are loosely shaped and ugly, you can cut off all the branches. If you are pruning in summer, you should cut off from the position where the first flower blooms. When pruning in other seasons, leave each branch about 5 cm long. After cutting off the twigs, new buds will sprout. The degree of pruning can be increased as the temperature drops. After cutting, place it in a cool place (such as under the shade of a tree) and gradually increase the light intensity after new buds sprout. Also be sure to keep the soil in the pot dry to prevent the roots from being too wet and dying.

It is best to do the final pinching on all branches at the same time, so that the time from new bud growth to flowering will be roughly the same, thus ensuring the same flowering time.

Pinching may seem simple, but its effect is obvious. I hope all flower lovers can pay attention to it and do appropriate pinching according to the variety of cattle they raise. Then the day when the flowers bloom in full bloom will be just around the corner!