In article , Franz Heymann
writes

"Kay Easton" wrote in message
...

There is another effect, which is that plants have two methods or
increasing themselves - vegetatively (by growing large, or by throwing
out plantlets) or sexually, by producing flowers. Flowers are more
effort, so the tendency for many perennial plants is to emphasise
vegetative growth when there's plenty of space and food, and emphasise
flower growth when space and food is running out, and there may be a
need to cast seeds to colonise a new site. Therefore, many plants will
flower better if they are pot bound and not over-fed.

One hears and reads that so often, and yet, I notice that my plants both
grow and flower better when I regularly give them fertilisers.

I suspect that one just has to be careful of false generalisations.

Well, I did say 'many perennial plants' I doubt whether it would hold
true for annuals, whose main propagation is by seed. Whereas nasturtiums
are happy to grow masses of lush dark green leaves if well fed! - and
before you say 'but they are annuals' - no, they're not, it's just that
our winter kills them off.
--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm