Growing perennial plugs for first time

[SMW]

Hi all,

I know this isn't fruit and veg growing but i hope this will complement the garden and attract lots of natural pest control

I recently planted on some perennial mini plugs I bought online. These were https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/pe...ction/t47606TM as well as 48 lavender plugs which are munstead and hicote.

I have noticed since planting on that a lot of plugs appear to have more than one plant. if you look at the lavender it looks like there are 2 or 3 plants in each plug, other plants also appeared to have the odd exta. I assume they put in a few extra seeds into these plugs in case they dont germinate? Does this mean that i infact have extra plants and I can split these or should I just let them grow together and split at a later date, or will they be too prone to root disturbance by then? Or am I being silly and they plants are just bushy?

Also, I was told to pinch the top of perennials to ensure a busy plant, but is this the case with all perennials? Will it suit the lavender and other perennial in the T and M collection?

Thanks

S

[nickdub]

Yep several plants in each plug in some of your photos. Just go a bit steady when pulling them apart as the roots could have grown together - best done asap. Remember not to hold young plants by their stems (think of it as the plant's neck if that helps). I'd usually start with the roots, and if necessary use something like a cocktail stick to tease them apart.

[SMW]

Thanks Nick. Would you also suggest pinching the top growth?

[nickdub]

You're very welcome - pinching out rather depends on the type of plant and the shape you want it to make - I do it routinely with sweet-peas and petunias, but for something like fuchsias say its really a matter of taste.

[SMW]

Perfect, thanks again