Do this to get more blooms out of your Dahlias!
Pinching Dahlias: Why, When, and What Happens If You Don’t
If you’re growing dahlias this season whether it’s for your own bouquets, for florists, or just to enjoy in the garden, then pinching is a simple but powerful technique that can drastically change how much your plants grow and bloom.
Let’s walk through how to pinch your dahlias, the benefits of doing it or not, and help you decide which approach fits your goal.
Make it stand out
What Does “Pinching” Mean?
Pinching means removing the main growing tip of your young dahlia plant once it has developed 3 to 4 sets of leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out, growing more stems, which means more blooms and a bushier shape.
How to Pinch Dahlias: Step by Step
Wait until your plant is about 12–18 inches tall
You’ll want it to have at least 3–4 sets of true leaves. This is typically a few weeks after planting, depending on your climate. In my case, this is usually by the end of June or beginning of July
Find the center stem
Look for the top shoot between the last two leaves at the top of the plant.Use clean and sharp snips or you can also use your fingers
Cut off the top growth just above a leaf node. That’s it, it’s that easy!Watch for new growth
In the following days, you’ll see side shoots emerge from the leaf nodes below the pinch point.
What Happens When You Pinch
Make it stand out
Advantages:
More blooms: Pinching encourages lateral branching, which means more flowering stems.
Stronger plants: Bushier plants with more structure are less likely to snap in wind or rain.
Better for cutting gardens: You’ll get longer, straighter stems ideal for bouquets and arrangements.
Taller vase-worthy blooms later on: Though it delays the first bloom slightly, the overall production is higher over the season.
You can use the cutting to make a whole new plant. I will show you how to do that in the next blog! Stay tuned!
Disadvantages:
Delayed first blooms: Pinching usually delays the first bloom by 1–2 weeks.
Extra step: If you have hundreds or thousands of plants, pinching them all takes a lot of time.
What Happens When You Don’t Pinch
Some growers choose not to pinch—and that’s okay too! It depends on your goals and the size of your farm or garden!
Advantages:
Earlier blooms: The plant will bloom sooner, which can be ideal if you’re trying to hit an early market or event.
Less labor: One less task if you’re short on time or help.
Disadvantages:
Fewer stems: You’ll likely get one tall thick central bloom and fewer side branches.
Weaker plants: Plants can grow taller and leggier, which increases the risk of breakage.
Smaller harvest over time: You may sacrifice the long-term flower yield of each plant.
So… Should You Pinch Your Dahlias?
If you’re growing for bouquets or market sales: YES. Pinching gives you more usable stems. If you’re a home gardener looking for earlier color: You can skip it—just be ready to stake them well. If you’re short on time or energy: Focus on pinching your healthiest plants first and leave others as is. You’ll still benefit without doing them all.
Whether you choose to pinch or not, there’s no wrong way, just different results.Pinching may feel a little counterintuitive at first, you’re cutting your plant just as it’s getting started. But sometimes, a small cut leads to big growth. Just like farming. Try experimenting with a few plants both ways and see what works best for your garden or farm. The most important thing? Grow what brings you joy (and lots of blooms)!
Happy growing!
-Sam at Blissful Blooms Flower Farm
