Cut the stem off about 1" above the low branch & stake the branch so it's vertical - or almost vertical. If it's too much pressure on the branch to go completely vertical with it, simply cut the end two leaves off the branch & more branches will occur that you CAN stake to vertical. Don't worry - your tree will tolerate this treatment very well, especially if you have it sited in full sun.

Water only when the plant is dry & fertilize every 1-2 weeks with half strength 24-8-16. Your plant will back-bud profusely within 2 weeks. Don't wait to do this - do it now or wait until next June. Your plant needs time to grow new leaves & store some energy for the winter quiescence. I'm assuming you're in NY - you should add your city and USDA zone to your profile.

Al

Hi Al,
Thank you so much!
I am in NY - I'll figure out how to add my zone and all that. Just a couple of questions
1) What is 24-8-16?
2) All I have to do is pluck off a leaf and a new branch will grow out?
3) I don't want to cut it so low - I like the about a four foot height. If I cut it at four feet, will new branches grow from that 4 foot spot?

Thanks soooo much Al!!!

1) 24-8-16 is the % of NPK in Miracle-Gro All-Purpose granular soluble fertilizer. It is widely available. 12-4-8 is the same RATIO (3:1:2) in liquid form. We sometimes talk about ratios, and sometimes %s. 24-8-16 and 12-4-8 have the exact same ratio of 3:1:2, but the 24-8-16 is twice as concentrated as the 12-4-8 ... you only need half as much to make the same strength solution.

2) Though in some cases, and on some trees, that is partially true, I'm going to give you a 'NO' answer. In order for scheffs to reliably back-bud, you need to remove the apical meristem (very tip of the branch) and the last leaf or two. This stops branch extension and forces back-budding/new branching.

3) Branches will occur randomly behind the pruning cut. In scheffs, unlike most other trees, there is no way to predict where new branching will occur, but since a pruned branch can no longer extend, the energy the tree is allocating to that branch needs to go somewhere. The tree compensates by growing new branches. Knowing how to manipulate a plant's hormonal influences is the basis for all pruning techniques/procedures.

Al

Thank you so much Al.
You are truly an expert! I have grown so attached to the tree that I've decided to take it home and put it in my loft area which has plenty of light and a vaulted ceiling. I just can't bear to cut it.
If it gets too tall, will it survive outdoors in NY during the winter?

sammiemacc,
Looks like you have a green thumb! That is awesome that your plant grew so much in a year.

Unfortunately this plant cannot survive freezing temperatures so it will not make it through the winter outdoors.

Thanks Sarah,
I've been working on my green thumb...I guess it went from brown to a light brown/yellow...LOL! It should be green soon.
I was so pleased with the scheff that I started to plant in front of my home. I never used to before. I started this year with some huge marigold and dwarf zinnia. They cam out so great - this fall I will plant for next year. Hyacinth and tulips for the spring, and some other perennials. I think I'll post some questions about the maximilliam sunflower...really looking into that.

regarding the maxmillian (or Mexican) sunflower:

I have had them for years & are great blooming plants that just now are beginning to bloom here in Albuquerque zone 7. The stems will get 8-10 ft. tall with the daisy-like flowers all along the top few feet of each stem although I usually cut the stems back a bit in mid summer to control the height to keep the stems from bending over or else tie them back. The original plant keeps getting bigger & bigger around at the base & one can pull the rooted stems up to give away, plant some elsewhere or just toss to keep the plant in bounds. It has long narrow leaves & the tall stems full of flowers are attractive in Fall when few other flowers are in bloom & no diseases or bugs that I have ever found on my plants.