Deadheading vs. Pinching: What Greenhouse Annuals Need

Deadhead everything — removing spent flowers prevents seed formation and redirects energy to more blooms. But for greenhouse seedlings, you're actually pinching: removing stem tips to trigger branching and create stocky plants. This delays flowering slightly but produces more flower buds on lateral shoots.

One pinching session is usually enough. Pro growers also use growth regulators, but pinching alone gives excellent results for marigolds, geraniums, salvia, and other annuals.