Pictured is an obesum seedling of "Sawadee" sown May 13...I decided to try to force early branching by careful removal of the main growing point with an Exacto knife. You can see here the new growth in the leaf/stem juncture in 2 places below the main growing point. I also did this with another obesum seedling sown May 13 that has not responded the same--it just grew back the main point with no branching as of yet.

About 4 days ago I repeated the experiment with 5 more seedlings--three more obesums from the May 13 sowing and two S1/Golden Bell Thai socos that were sown May 28. So far, only one of the S1's has new growth that I can see (with one of my magnifying lenses) and it has 4 new growths at various leaf/stem junctures but no new main point growth--go figure!

So....if my success rate improves with the 5 latest attempts, I plan on repeating the experiment with more of my 130+ seedlings.

Mike in MN

Interesting, keep us posted!

Some obseums will branch, some absolutely refuse to branch, is my experience.

Yep, Melissa, that's pretty much what it seems like for me as well.....I'll also be trying this on a few arabicums since I have so many of them. I've seen a number of photos of older arabicum seedlings (like 1 and 2 year olds) from other growers that are tall and lanky with no branching whatsoever.....I'm not sure if this necessarily corresponds to 1 month old arabicum seedlings that are tall and lanky versus others from the same batch that are shorter and fatter--only time will tell. I did notice just today that one of my "Black Giant" arabicum seedlings is apparently starting new growth in the leaf/stem juncture in two places below the main growing point. Maybe branches.....time will tell!

Mike in MN

I think it is their natural growth habit. I find it quite interesting.

There's one variety that the seedlings start right out with so many branches that it's named Broccoli! hahahaha

And hahaha some more!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/5...