Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Fat-hen: when and how to prune
Chenopodium album
Fat-hen is best pruned in July–August.
| Pruning months | July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Fat-hen: when to prune it?
In July–August: cut or mow the plants before they set seed if you do not want them to self-seed.
Fat-hen: how to prune it?
- When growing it as a vegetable, pinch out the tops regularly: this keeps the plant compact and tender.
- Pull up or mow plants in the vegetable plot before the flower clusters set seed.
- In a spot for birds, leave a group standing and only clear it in March.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not wait too long: even plants you pull up in full flower can still ripen seed on the compost heap.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.