Question
Hi,

I've plants some sweet peas from seed. They have germinated and grown to 3 inches tall. I read somewhere. that to encourage more growth and vines ("viney-ness"), one should pinch off the tops of these sweet pea plants when they reach 4 inches tall. Is this a good thing to do?? I really want them to climb, but I dont want to stunt them by shortening!

Answer
Hi Krystle,
Thanx for your question.  The answer is yes.  If you pinch off the tops when the plant reaches about 4 inches, this encourages branching out and a fuller plant.  It will not stunt them.  Also, when the plant begins to bloom, be sure to cut off spent blooms so they don't have time to form seed pods and divert energy away from flowering.  I hope this helps.
Tom