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| To get dense, bushy Chrysanthemums with numerous flowers, you will need to “pinch” them. Pinching refers to pruning soft, new growth with the thumb and forefinger. Tools such as a hand pruner or a large bonsai scissors may also be used. |
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| When the new growth is 6-8″ tall, pinch off the end of each stem to the next two leaves. Pinch them again when they have grown another 6″, or about every 3 weeks. Unless it is a low-growing variety, three, or sometimes four pinchings are needed to maintain a compact plant. If you have a northern garden, do not prune past July 15th, or July 1st in extremely cold areas. Southerners can safely pinch mums until mid-August. The plants need to grow for several additional weeks to initiate flower buds. |
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| Give your Chrysanthemums at least two applications of a well-balanced fertilizer. Feed them in the early spring and once again in summer, as the flower buds are forming. Your plants will reward your efforts with a wonderful display of colorful flowers on compact, sturdy stems. |
