In The North Why Should You Not Cut Rose Blooms The First Year?
Garden chrysanthemums that survived the winter or were planted in April or May will have made enough growth so that the tips can be pinched back. Pinching is important in chrysanthemum culture. It causes lateral branching, resulting in sturdier, bushier plants. Unpinched plants grow lanky and sparse, having few branches and therefore few flowers. The tips of mums should be pinched early in June and again early in July.
Aphids, the common insect pest of many kinds of plants, make an early appearance. Malathion and other contact insecticides are effective in controlling this pest but they must be used early and repeated. Look for aphids on leaves of tulips and roses, bridal wreath and other shrubs, delphiniums and other garden plants. Start weekly inspections for aphids and spray or dust without delay.
June showers promote good plant growth but they also favor slug’s. Slugs hide under sticks and stones, flower pots and leaves during the day. They come out at night to feed on foliage of practically any herbaceous plants. Fresh poison slug bait should be placed where they are found. Repeated applications must be made frequently.
In the North it is not considered advisable to cut rose blossoms the first year, because every inch of cane and every leaf is important to the sound establishment of the plant. Spent blooms, of course, are removed but without taking any of the stem. Second year flowers can be cut, taking only as much of the stems as will be used. Do not cut flowers from any plant that seems to be struggling to make normal growth or is shy on size or vigor. It will need all its top to build a better, stronger plant.
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