Pinching out

JoJoWan

How do I know which plants to pinch out? When reading the growing advice on seed packets, there is never this information.

Bright star

Tell us what you intend to sow and then members will be happy to guide you. Also Mr Google is usually a good source of information and growing guides

JoJoWan

Thank you. One that I am querying is Ammi majus, I was just browsing and a question popped up, 'do I pinch out AM?' (the question wasn't answered) I hadn't even thought about it, and that's where my question has come from. I can't find any information online about doing this.

Bright star

I have a book called “The cut flower patch” by Louise Curley. I have found it very useful over the years and it has growing details for most of the popular annual flower seeds and wether they need pinching out or not. According to her, it isn’t necessary to pinch Ammi out but they will probably need stacking. They are beautiful plants and the pollinators will thank you for growing them.

JoJoWan

Thank you again. I'll have a look out this.

Bright star

i also use and buy seeds from https://www.seedaholic.com/ which has very detailed growing conditions for all their seeds. Even if you choose not to buy from them the information is useful.

Fairygirl

Ammi doesn't need pinching out. 
The main reason for pinching out anything is to create a bushier plant, and is often needed when seed has been sown too early, or in the autumn, and the plants have become leggy due to excess heat or lack of light etc.  Pinching out will often mean later flowering too, so bear that in mind.