Greetings all,

I'm interested in growing tropical spices. I have several, including Allspice, Bay, Cinnamon, and some others that aren't so tall.

Since I live in East Tennessee, all of my frost sensitive plants must come inside my sunroom for the winter. This means they must live in containers. I mounted the largest ones (20 inches diameter and larger) on wheels to make it easier to move them.

As I understand it, the technical definition of Bonsai is, "Tree in a Pot," which is precisely what I have. So far, my small trees seem happy and healthy. Maybe too healthy. In fact, that's why I'm here--I need some advice on how to trim my Allspice so it grows no taller than 5 feet (1.7 meters). It is nearing that height now, and will shoot past it when it breaks dormancy in a couple of months. Sooner or later I expect I'll have the same problem with the Cinnamon.

I don't want the traditional "Bonsai look" for my Allspice. I'd rather have a dwarf version of the shape a mature Allspice tree takes in nature.

I realize I have plenty of reading to do, but any suggestions are both welcome and appreciated. While I've been growing spices for a while, please feel free to spell it out, step by step for this newbie.

Thanks!
TNAndy

Uh-huh. Is that all you EVER have to say? And where would I hunt for your "training pot method," exactly? Sorry folks, I searched this forum and found nothing but the exact same snippy comment repeated 14 times. No links, no explanations, no help. Fourteen...! All replies to newbies, like me.

I don't want to seem ungrateful if this was meant as a serious response, but if "try using my training pot method" is the sum total of the advice you ever give--apparently over and over again--I agree: Stop spamming!

To the rest of you, PLEASE PARDON my incivility. In the future, I look forward to many pleasant conversations on this forum. However, please remember my knowledge and understanding of bonsai begins and ends with, "Gee, isn't THAT an interesting plant."

Any nursemaid, low-level, Newbie, step-by-step, this is the best book to buy, avoid doing that at all costs, go to the other website-type advice is more than welcome.

Rant over. Thanks.

welcome to the forum 'tnandy :)
no need for the pardon because you are right that member is being looked into right now :top:

many thanks enjoy the forum :top: