What should I know about pruning mums?

Answer by  MaryEllen (51)

When mums grow in the summer and reach about six or seven inches tall, I cut the plant back almost to the ground. If this is not done, in the fall the plant will be too large and the stalks will droop to the ground. When the plant starts to die off I will prune to the ground again.

Answer by  Serafinah (232)

Contrary to popular belief, mums are perennials (they come back each year) and should be pruned right to the ground or within 1-2 inches of the soil. Make sure they are protected from wind though, as their roots can sometimes make them suseptable to blowing out of the ground.

Answer by  sonorasun (174)

Mums are a lovely summer flower that is an annual, that is, it grows and blooms for only one season. As for most annuals, the best way to help your plant bloom continually throughout the summer is to remove any blooms that have faded and died. If you do this, the plant will keep blooming.

Answer by  Ginny (2251)

In the spring, when the new growth reaches about six inches, pinch it off. Continue pinching six inch new growth every several weeks. To allow buds to form, do not continue pinching after the summer begins. In the fall, discontinue pinching so the leaves will help protect the plant from the frost.