Pinching out growing tips

[selfraising]

Hi
I think I read somewhere that you can pinch out the growing tips of toms to increase bushiness. My questions are:
Does this apply to cordon varieties too?
Can I do this with chillies, peppers and aubergines?
How big does the plant have to be before I can do this and how much do I take out?
Are there any other veg that this would be good for?

Sorry about all the questions but I just ain't got a clue

[FionaH]

I was told to pinch out the growing tips of my aubergines to get bushier plants. Dunno about the rest

[Sweepster]

If a cordon variety is the kind that grows tall , then yes, once the tomato plant has produced about 6 bunches (trusses?) of tomatoes, you pinch out the top to stop it growing forever and to direct its energy into finishing off the tomatoes it's already made. I haven't grown the other things, but I should think the same principle would apply.

[Snadger]

Bush tomatoes don't need any pinching out as they 'bush' naturally! Cordon types need there side shoots pinching out and when they have grown six trusses. It's usual to pinch out the growing tip one leaf above the last truss, late in the season!

[Capsid]

As for the chillis, peppers and aubergines, they will all benefit from pinching the tops out to help them bush up and produce more flowers. Don't try to get too many fruits off the peppers and aubergines though, aim for about 6 per plant, we don't get a long enough season in the UK for fruit growth (unless you can extend it with a heated greenhouse).

[Irie Jan]

As for the chillis, peppers and aubergines, they will all benefit from pinching the tops out to help them bush up and produce more flowers. Don't try to get too many fruits off the peppers and aubergines though, aim for about 6 per plant, we don't get a long enough season in the UK for fruit growth (unless you can extend it with a heated greenhouse).

At what stage can these plants have the tops pinched, Ie how tall should the plants be alowed to grow b4 punching the tips?

Also I was wondering if different types of chillies would have different requirements with regards to height to get the best crop, Ie Habanero, jalapino's and aso on? Same with different types of pepper plants! Any help will be greatfully taken on board thanks!

[Capsid]

For peppers and aubergines, I pinch out when they are about 6-8" tall. Since chillis are in the same family as peppers then I'd do the likewise for them.

[Irie Jan]

Thanks Capsid!

This will be my first time growing for many years! I have never grown chillies or the like from seed b4 but did ok with toms and cucks in the past! last year I bout 3 chilli plants ready grown and in fruit fron B&Q they did quite well for me. I have decided to try quite a few different types this year!

All my seedlings are doing quite well so far sitting in my bathroom most of the time. Peeping toms lol chillis, peppers and all sorts going on in there and things growing all over the place, in every room on every windowsill


I want it to warm up a bit more b4 they all go out into the greenhouse for good!

[selfraising]

Thanks everyone, great advice!

[bramble]

When you pinch out the tip of the plant it forces the plant to throw out side shoots or branches. You then get a nice bushy plant rather than a tall straggly one.
Hope this helps anyone who may be growing for the first time.

[FionaH]

When you pinch out the tip of the plant it forces the plant to throw out side shoots or branches. You then get a nice bushy plant rather than a tall straggly one.
Hope this helps anyone who may be growing for the first time.

It does indeed, so many thanks toyou and Capsid

[plainleaf]

No tomato plants need to be pinched out.
All pinching out and pruning side shoots does is reduce production.
Looks like more people have fallen for this old garden humbug.

[Capsid]

No tomato plants need to be pinched out.
All pinching out and pruning side shoots does is reduce production.
Looks like more people have fallen for this old garden humbug.

I don't agree.

[Alison]

I don't agree.

Neither do I. Bush tomatoes don't need pinching out as they bush quite happily on the own accord. Cordon types however need side shoots pinching out otherwise the whole plant becomes so conjested that you don't get any light to the plant and it's a nightmare to support - know this from experience from the first year I grew any . I also pinch out the top of cordons, but only when they reach the height I want them to get to, be that the top of the support, greenhouse, whatever, otherwise they will go on forever.

[Jenegade]

Just had a thought, do peas need pinching out? I know sweetpeas need it, but don't know whether I should pinch out my pea plants.