Why do you cut off the area directly above the bud when the bud has healed
Cutting off the area directly above a healed bud is a common practice in horticulture and gardening known as "pinching." There are several reasons for doing this:
1. Encourages branching: By removing the upper portion of the bud, you stimulate the development of new lateral shoots or branches. This promotes a bushier and fuller growth habit in the plant.
2. Controls height: Cutting off the upper part of the bud helps manage the overall height of the plant. This is especially useful for plants that tend to grow tall and leggy. Pinching allows for a more compact form and prevents the plant from becoming too top-heavy.
3. Enhances aesthetics: For ornamental plants, pinching can help shape the plant in a way that is visually pleasing. It can create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
4. Increases flower production: Pinching stimulates the bud to produce more flowers. By removing the top part, the plant redirects its energy into producing additional blooms, resulting in a more abundant flowering display.
5. Delays flowering: In some cases, pinching can delay the onset of flowering. This is useful when you want to synchronize blooming in a specific time frame or extend the flowering season.
Overall, pinching helps shape and control plant growth, improve its appearance, and maximize flower production. It is a technique widely used by gardeners to optimize the performance and aesthetics of various plants.