PINCHING (dural Pointers 
For a good number of years the reason for pinching was to regulate the number of stems on the 
plant. In recent years we have learned that in case of pompons or singles the pinching determines 
the type of spray formation. With standards, pinching will determine the type of bud formation, 
whether it be a crown or terminal bud. 
Time Pinchina 
The precision culture of chrysanthemums is all set up around the “Last Pinch.” To grow a quality 
pompon you should receive the rooted cuttings sometime in June, July or August and then plant into 
the permanent location approximately three weeks before the date listed in our list of varieties under 
“Last Pinch.” 
Under the heading “Chrysanthemum Flowering Schedule” you will find the exact pinching dates for 
all planting dates. The table below will indicate the time to pinch after planting according to various 
planting dates: 
When planting Nov. 15 to Feb. 14 allow 5 weeks plant to pinch. 
When planting Feb. 15 to May 14 allow 4 weeks plant to pinch. 
When planting May 15 to Aug. 14 allow 3 weeks plant to pinch. 
When planting Aug. 15 to Nov. 14 allow 4 weeks plant to pinch. 
Time pinching standards will eliminate the formation of the crown bud and produce terminal buds 
which will in turn produce a much straighter flowering stem. 
Pruning 
Another important factor is to remove all shoots but 3 or 4 per plant, in a few instances only 2 
shoots are allowed to mature. Allow more shoots to develop on the outside rows than on the center 
rows of a bed. When fewer breaks are selected the planting distance should be closer. If you prefer 
to have a number of smaller sprays, with fewer blooms open at one time, follow the double pinch- 
ing precedure. 
Standards are usually pinched once to induce breaks so that they may be grown two per plant. The 
strongest breaks are selected and all others removed. It is well to pinch on the date suggested in the 
general list. Careful observation has shown us that neckiness with some varieties is eliminated by 
pinching on the respective dates. Singles and anemones are usually grown 3 to 4 stems per plant. 
Condition of Plant 
When pinching, remove only the soft growth, never cut into the woody stems as this will not pro- 
duce the type of breaks you desire. It is our experience that it is best not to pinch until the plant 
has become well established in its permanent location. In all cases it is better to have at least eight 
to ten inches of growth on the plants before pinching. (Photos below.} 
When double pinching, pinch the first time 30 days before the "Last Pinch." This allows enough time 
to produce a growth long enough to pinch at the proper time. 
If by chance you are delayed in planting and your plants will be too tall, it is advisable to pinch early 
enough before benching so that the breaks will be several inches long at time of planting. Never 
pinch hard plants at the same time they are planted into the bench, a heavy loss may result. Better 
wait until plants are established, then pinch. 
The last pinching dates given after each variety will help you grow that variety to excellency. Re- 
member that pinching is just one cultural factor and will only function when all other cultural points 
are carried out properly. 
: Strong Breaks Resulting 
Well Established Young Plant Top Several Inches Removed from Single Pinch 
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