Every year I give my many 'sedums' the Chelsea Chop in early May, but as its been so cold here in the West Midlands for so long I'm wondering when I should do it this year. Most of the plants are still very small. Any else have this query?
I'm also in the West Midlands. I've just been reading this in Matthew Wilson's book. The plants must be about half to two thirds their eventual size with no flower buds and he recommends not doing it if plants are stressed due to lack of water. He talks about taking into account the climate and the kind of spring and winter we've had. HTH.
Would the chop stop mine falling over every year? The insects don't mind if they're lying down but they'd please me more if they stood up. They're now about 6" and get to about 18" - 2'
Hi nut, yes, that's the main reason I do it to mine. I was going to consign them to the compost bin as I got fed up with them falling over everything until I tried cutting them back when they were about 12-15" high. Still might get rid to be honest - not overly keen on them, so if I need space for something else, they're high on the list of possible sacrifices!
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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Chelsea chop + 10 days?
though I bet they're not far behind come the day...
no warranties implied or given
Hi there,
I'm also in the West Midlands. I've just been reading this in Matthew Wilson's book. The plants must be about half to two thirds their eventual size with no flower buds and he recommends not doing it if plants are stressed due to lack of water. He talks about taking into account the climate and the kind of spring and winter we've had. HTH.
Mine are still just 1cm high here in newcastle so can't see them getting the chop any time soon
Mine too Andy! They look as though they've already been chopped -right to the ankles!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Cheslea is a month away. Plenty of time for plants to catch up and for gardeners to take stock of their local conditions.
Would the chop stop mine falling over every year? The insects don't mind if they're lying down but they'd please me more if they stood up. They're now about 6" and get to about 18" - 2'
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi nut, yes, that's the main reason I do it to mine. I was going to consign them to the compost bin as I got fed up with them falling over everything until I tried cutting them back when they were about 12-15" high. Still might get rid to be honest - not overly keen on them, so if I need space for something else, they're high on the list of possible sacrifices!
Thanks Bob. I like them, the insects love them so they get to stay. I'll try the chop at 12-15" and see how they go. How far back to you take them?
In the sticks near Peterborough