No major problems here, just a quick question. As I finished up my pinching, I noticed that some plants are just beginning to branch while others have already branched and have rather well developed lateral shoots. What causes some of the plants to break and develop shoots prior to pinch? It does not seem to be variety specific as I see it in a number of different varieties. Thanks for any comments.

The occurrence of lateral shoot formation increases as the time from pinch to transplant increases. If your pinch is timed appropriately it is possible that no lateral shoots will be present. However if the time from transplant to pinch is prolonged and the pinch delayed, it is likely that lateral shoots will form prior to pinch. These lateral shoots that have formed will contribute to the final finished display of flowers so these shoots should not be removed.

If these shoots are already taller than the height that we are pinching, at the time of pinch, should the tips of these shoots be pinched as well, to get an even height on the crop or be left alone entirely.

Chad -

These shoots should not be pinched but you may think about a growth regulator application to control stretch of the lateral shoots. An application of Cycocel at 1000 ppm applied to the lateral shoots should slow down the stretch. If you are using the Florel "sandwich" treatments prior to and after pinch this will also help reduce stem elongation.