To: Smokin' Joe
Top the flowers out (cut the stalk off) after they bloom. They should not be pollinated?
116 posted on
07/14/2002 2:22:51 AM PDT by
Hacksaw
To: Hacksaw
The idea is to force the plant to put all it's energy into producing leaves, not offspring. The same thing (pinching off flower buds) is done to basil, spinach, etc; those plants that we grow for the leaves. Unfortunately, once a plant starts to go to seed, less energy goes to the leaves, and they become bitter.
To: Hacksaw
I should have specified after the blooms are open, usually about a week. The cut should be made above the last leaves at the top. If you want, allow a couple to polinate, then secure paper bags about the blossom head. The seeds are incredibly small, so get a good bag. plastic can work, but make some cuts (for ventilation) near the top to keep from cooking the flower top.
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