Q.pinching apricot to encourage growth
Should I pinch the top of my one apricot seedling stalk to encourage it to branch out? I started an apricot tree from a seed, and it is now four months old and only has one straight stalk with opposite leaves growing from this stalk. This stalk is now about 10 inches tall and I just transplanted it into a larger pot. Since I live in the Midwest with harsh winters, I will have to keep it growing in a pot for quite some time. I envision this stalk reaching the ceiling one day soon, and I need to find a method that will encourage this seedling to develop lateral branching. Thank you.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I would give it some more time. When you pinch that leader, it will force it to grow out, but it may never grow up properly again. I would wait until it gets to a height that you would like it to be, then you can pinch the top to encourage lateral growth if you still feel it needs encouragement.
