Stop Cutting the Chrysanthemums!

I don't know if you knew this or not, but you've been supposed to be pinching back your mums. Asters, too. Pinching or cutting the growth tips back by one-third since they started growing in the spring will make them fuller and more floriferous come fall, when they typically bloom.

But we're nearing the cut-off date to stop cutting them off. In our area, July 4th is the time to quit and let them grow. I've been doing this for many years and I have to say it makes for a very dense plant, covered in blooms.

If you haven't been doing this, don't worry. You'll still have pretty flowers, just not as many of them, and in the case of some asters, they may be taller and flop a bit. Remember to do it next year and see if you don't like your mums and asters better!