Which Annuals Should Not Be Pinched: A Guide for Seed-Grown Flowers

Annuals That Don't Need Pinching

You do not need to pinch dusty miller, lavatera, or carthamus (safflower). You are correct that statice should not be pinched either. Pinching encourages branching, but these plants naturally develop the desired form without it.

No Universal Rule of Thumb

There isn't a simple rule for which annuals to pinch. The best reference is the Ball Culture Guide by Jim Nau (Ball Publishing). It lists commonly grown plants with detailed schedules: when to start, weeks to transplant, germination temperature, bloom period, and whether to pinch each variety. It also includes garden performance notes. I use mine constantly.