Have I done for an early PSB?

[Sweet savory]

Hi
I have 3 early psb under mesh and when I came back from hols one plant was straining against the mesh and the leaves were badly damaged and distorted. As I had the 2 other smaller and healthy plants I decided to cut the top 4” or so off. My idea was that as psb sprout from lower down when you have cut the top flower off then I was just hastening the bushiness/sprouting process a bit like pinching out seedlings. Am now worrying could have hastened its demise instead. Maybe let in disease or something?
Also not grown these before (freebies) but have grown red arrow and rudolph, both of which were well past 3’ in height. Wonder if anyone has suggestion for a shorter psb as I always have problems covering them satisfactorily and stopping them leaning? Have seen cardinal listed as 2’ but elsewhere as 3’ which is confusing.....
Thanks
Ssvy

[Snadger]

Whichever PSB I grow they always finish up huge, probably 4 feet at least. I always allow about three feet between plants, but if you grow them closer together this should limit the height they grow....probably.

[Snoop Puss]

Hi Sweet savory. You might not get the top flush of PSB stems, which are usually the best, but doubtless you'll get plenty lower down. The wound where you cut the top off is likely to heal of its own accord. So I wouldn't worry too much.

I stake sprouts and PSB, as they are very prone to ending up like leaning towers of Pisa. And once the fine roots get a bit dislodged, they apparently don't do as well as they would otherwise. Hence staking is a good idea.

[Sweet savory]

Thanks. Have already hammered in my biggest and meatiest stake for the biggest plant. Will plan for 4 foot high giants next year!

[Snoop Puss]

^ Good stuff.

Plus, good idea to get the stakes in early next year so that you don't damage any roots later on. This is a "do as I say, not do as I do" suggestion.