[Deborah1]

A warm April has brought a lot of things on very quickly and I’m wondering if there would be any harm ‘chopping’ them now... especially as Chelsea isn’t happening this year Does anyone else do this? Has anyone any experience of chopping late flowering Asters?

Thanks for any comments.

[mumofstig]

I've already chopped some of the greenhouse Osteospermums, because they were budding up already - I tend to do just half the plants so I get a longer display in there.

[Yorkie]

I think Virtual Chelsea is happening next week - so you're not that early anyway!

[jezza]

No no no what an absolutely stupid stupid idea what is the use of growing beautiful plants and flowers only to cut them down you might as well get 5 gallon of Glyposate  and spray the plants off if you don't want to see them in flower in the next few weeks  this idea was probably invented by an IGNORAMUS who doesn't like gardening they need stringing up  jezza

[Yorkie]

That's a bit strong jezza.

I've certainly seen numerous experienced gardeners, e.g. Alan Titchmarsh, recommend the Chelsea chop.  it was a perfectly proper question about timing for an accepted gardening practice.  There's no need to be rude to someone who is considering following this practice.

[mumofstig]

RHS advice on Chelsea Chop is here, for those who have no idea what it means/involves...

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=594

[mrs bouquet]

Thanks Mum for the RHS link.   I must admit, I have never heard of "Chelsea Chop".   But now I have read your link, I realise I have always done that to some of my plants.   It just depends on how they are looking.  regards Mrs Bouquet

[jezza]

Wasn't being rude just answered  the question I've just been working in a garden that will be taking all the herbaceous plants down to the ground next week then they'll grumble that there's no plants in flower for the yellow book open garden scheme in July   jezza