I grew a tabasco pepper that was only just in a 3-inch pot when a freeze came. I forgot to bring it in, and the top half froze. I didn't know if it would live, but I brought it in, and it is coming back nicely, but with many branches. I didn't want branches until it got taller, but I have them, so what do I do now? It's only got about 2 inches of trunk. Do I cut off the bottom branches as it grows and top out the others to get a longer trunk and more top branching?

This is my first bonchi, and I have a feeling it's going to be very challenging. I wanted a thick trunk and a rounded top. Can I still get that?