The only problem I can see is that you're creating access for disease to enter the original plant. Over here in TN, we're very prone to soil-borne blights that travel up the vine. You mention blight around here and everyone panics! ;) Because of that I don't know that I'd top the plants unless I knew that I was going to be losing them soon anyway, but I would at least take some cuttings to start a new family. 2009-06-14T08:20:34-05:00 false 11078 2418 2009-06-14T08:20:34-05:00 5903 Topping is a common practice here. Make a clean cut, and if you are worried about disease dust some fungicide on the cut, or use a freshly sterilized with alcohol blade. And yes, the tops can be rooted, but I don't know how long the new plant will last until your next growing season. I would say if you have the room and the pots, might as well give it a try. The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. :) 2009-06-14T10:25:05-05:00 false 11083 2418 2009-06-14T10:25:05-05:00 3716 Om & Whirligig - Thank you so much for the advice. I am going to top them this afternoon. With the onset of the summer heat we are nearing the end of the harvest for the season so if I loose them I won't be too upset. I do have loads of pots so I'll go ahead and try to root the cuttings, who know's I may get lucky and have transplants for July. 2009-06-14T14:05:53-05:00 false 11087 2418 2009-06-14T14:05:53-05:00 6034