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Cultural Pointers 
PINCHING 
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 the case of 
pompons or singles the pinching determines the type 
of spray formation. With standards, pinching will de- 
termine the type of bud formation, whether it be a 
crown or terminal bud. 
Time Pinching 
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 3 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 4 weeks 
plant to pinch. 
When planting Feb. 15 to Nov. 14 allow 3 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 
Well-Established Young Plant 
Top Several Inches Removed 
smaller sprays, with fewer blooms open at one time, 
follow the double-pinching procedure. 
Standards are usually pinched once to induce breaks 
so that they may be grown 2 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 respec- 
tive 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 produce 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 8 to 10 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 in the 
bench as a heavy loss may result. Better wait until 
plants are established and then pinch. 
The last pinching dates given after each variety will 
help you grow that variety to excellency. Remember 
that pinching is just one cultural point and will only 
function when all other cultural points are carried out 
properly. 
Strong Breaks Resulting 
from Single Pinch 
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