Whatever you do, make sure you're not pinching through a node on the stem. A node is where the leaves meet at the stem. New branches will form at the last full node before your pinch.

Did you know that you don't have to pinch to get nice plants. Most will look just great without pinching at all, will bloom sooner, and may have more flowers in the end.

I pinched a Cabana Banana last year (6'+ plant, 7" flowers) and had all sorts of problems once it was full grown. Branches at the base were splitting off under the weight of the plant. Ultimately it grew to a height of 7' anyway.

Cheers,
Russ

Russ
That is exactly what happened to me. The big stems broke off in the wind! The first year before I read anything about planting dahlias I just plopped them in the soil, they came up and were huge. Full of flowers. Than I started studying. I just got some dahlias delivered today. They have been very nice and have given me a free tuber. That happens in my big orders as well and they give you more than one. I think I should tell them please don't send me anymore than I ordered.

Wow pdshop- that's the first time I've heard anyone complain about getting free tubers! Can't you just pass them on to someone else if you don't want them?

I do give them away. I just have to plant everythig I can get my hands on and am runninng out of room.