Winter pansies

[mirita]

Every year we tend to spend a small fortune on plants to brighten up the garden, this year we have grown our own winter pansies, but comparing ours to the ones in the garden centres, ours tend to be taller, the garden centres tend to be shorter and bushier, are we meant to pinch the tops out to encourage the bushier plant or they ok without pinching the tops out?
Thanks for your help.

[rustylady]

Does help to pinch the tops out - makes them grow side shoots. Also, you may have been growing them too soft (were they in a greenhouse, or outside?)

[mirita]

They weren't in a greenhouse, but they were in the garden room at the rear of the house

[Two_Sheds]

Yes, you need to pinch them out. Better late than never ... do it now

[nilling]

The slugs have already decimated my winter pansies

Last year had violas which did not seem to get attacked. Is there any reason or is it just a co-incidence?