Abstract Foliar sprays of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon), 6-benzylamino purine (BA), and 6-(benzylamino)-9-(2-tetrahydropyran-yl)-9H-purine (PBA) significantly increased me branching of pinched ‘Dark Red Irene’ geranium (Pelargonium hortorum Bailey). Spraying pinched plants with 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) frequently increased the branch no. over pinched but untreated plants. Maximum stimulation of branching of pinched plants occurred from growth regulator sprays at the time of pinching. Ethephon and BA sprays significantly delayed flowering.