spindly growth; rampant development
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to grow spindly and excessively; to have rampant vegetative growth
technicalSpecifically refers to undesirable, weak, and overly vigorous growth in crops or fruit trees, often due to excessive nitrogen or insufficient light, resulting in poor or no fruiting. An agronomic term.
This peach tree was over-fertilized; it only grows leaves, doesn't flower, and is now growing spindly.
Farmers need to control nitrogen fertilizer application to prevent rice from growing spindly.
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If crops grow spindly, the yield will be affected.
verb
to grow foliage profusely without flowering
technicalRefers specifically to ornamental plants and flowers that produce excessive leaves and stems but fail to bloom, often due to imbalanced nutrition or incorrect lighting conditions.
This potted rose was kept in the shade; it only grows leaves, doesn't flower, clearly exhibiting spindly growth.
When growing flowers, you need to know how to prune them, otherwise they tend to grow profusely without blooming.
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The horticulturist suggested I change to a different fertilizer; otherwise, these flowers will just grow foliage without blooming.