Pinching back begonias is a simple technique that can help promote bushier growth and more abundant flowering. When you pinch back a begonia, you essentially remove the growing tip of each stem where the next leaf will emerge. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce multiple stems, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance.
To begin, take a close look at your begonia plant and locate the growing tips of the stems. These are the points where new growth is emerging. Typically, you will find these tips just above a set of leaves or buds.
Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch off the growing tip of each stem. You can do this by firmly but carefully grasping the stem just above a leaf or bud and giving it a quick pinch. It’s important to pinch just above the leaf or bud, as this is where new growth will emerge.
As you pinch back the stems, you may notice a small amount of sap oozing from the site where the tip was removed. This is normal and should not cause any harm to the plant. If desired, you can wipe away the sap with a clean cloth or tissue.
It’s worth noting that not all begonias require pinching. Some varieties naturally have a compact growth habit and do not benefit from this technique. However, if you have a begonia that tends to grow tall and leggy, pinching can be a useful way to encourage more compact growth.
Pinching back begonias can be done throughout the growing season, as needed. However, it is generally best to pinch when the plant is actively growing and producing new leaves and stems. This is usually in the spring or early summer, depending on your specific climate and the type of begonia you are growing.
In my own experience, I have found pinching back begonias to be a simple and effective way to maintain their shape and encourage better flowering. By removing the growing tips, I have been able to achieve fuller and more compact plants that are a true delight to behold in my garden.
To summarize, pinching back begonias involves removing the growing tip of each stem just above a leaf or bud. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce multiple stems, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance. It is a simple technique that can be done throughout the growing season, as needed. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your begonias!
