Hi there, friends!
Today we are going to talk about a recent gardening trick we learned about and implemented earlier this week. It will be a summer long process so we will track it and update you throughout the season.
Have you heard of the Chelsea chop? Well, let’s chat about it!
What is the Chelsea chop?
It is a pruning technique that is used to control the growth and blooming of certain types of perennials. The name comes from the time of year it is normally done in England, which is late May around the same time as the Chelsea flower show.
What plants are eligible?
The following plants are the perfect ones to use this pruning method on: Yarrow, golden marguerite, Artemisia, Aster, Bell flowers, Hardy geraniums, coneflower, bonesets, sneezeweeds, sunflowers, candytufts, Beebalm, Catmint, Beardtongues, Phlox, Black-eyed Susans, Sedums, Goldenrod and Veronicas.
Why do the Chelsea chop?
There are a couple different reasons you would do it. It can delay the flowering season if you want the plant to flower later in the year. It can extend the flowering time if you do the chop to some of the plant and leave the rest. It strengthens the plant and keeps it from getting too leggy. But the reason we chose to do it to our phlox was because it pushes out more flowerheads. Wherever you chop the plant sends out two shoots which gives you twice as many flowers as before.
How do you do the Chelsea chop?
Once your plant is established but still growing (for phlox it would be about knee high) you will cut the plant down about 1/3. For leggy plants you can go as much as ½. When you make your cut make sure to cut right above a leaf joint. As I mentioned above you can cut every other stem or the whole plant depending on whether you want it to stagger its blooming.
Any additional tips?
The most important thing is to make sure to clean and sharp secateurs to prune. You are essentially creating a wound on the plant and exposing it so you want to make sure your tool is sharp and clean to protect it from getting infected with anything nasty.
There you go! Now you know everything you need to take on the Chelsea chop. Will you try it? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!
XX
Waite and Matthew
