Help with Mums

[cgcw]

Okay, I'm really stretching it to go outside and get my hands in the dirt. Mostly, it's still mud around here but the one thing I could take care of is the mum plants that I put in last fall. But, I don't know what to do with them. They look just awful. The tops where the blooms were last fall are all brown and ragged looking. I'm sure I'm suppose to do something (like cut them down??). I've never planted mum before and I'd like for them to bloom again in the fall.

Thanks for any help.

 

[sorcerormickey]

Yes, you need to cut down the mums. They rely on new growth, not old. Remember to keep them piched back thru Independance Day so they won't get too tall and scraggly. You should have beautiful plants this fall!

 

[cgcw]

Thanks. It's a beautiful day here and now I have something to look forward to doing when we go outside this afternoon. As I said, I'm getting really anxious to start gardening.

 

[hipporina]

I was so glad to see this thread! My sister sent me a mum plant in October and amazingly it is still alive. I thought I had killed it because it was all brown and dead looking on the bulk of the plant. I decided to chop all the brown off and now it is growing back beautifully.

Now for my question (don't laugh), what exactly does "pinching" a plant back involve. I never know quite what to do. Please give me specific details!! I'm a gardening idiot!!!!!! Right now I have pansies, 1 mum, and I just planted basil seeds. I'm amazd my pansies and mum are living! Thanks for the help!

 

[Snowwark]

cgcw, it's nice to see you back again!

Welcome, Hipporina!

Pinching plants back encourages side shoots and bushier growth. You also pinch back plants to remove weak growth. Simply use your thumb and forefinger (or whatever combination works best for you), to pinch off tips of stems back to the next set of leaves.

Deadheading is removing spent flowers from annuals and perennials. For that you can "pinch back" or use a scissors.

I hope that helps you.

I'm glad to hear that your mum is thriving! Keep us posted on your new green thumb.

Kim

 

[cgcw]

Thanks, Kim. I didn't know about pinching back either.

And, thanks for the welcome back. I lurk in the F&G forum but with winter, it's just kind of lonely looking outside at the brown and all. It's getting to be spring again and things will be cheering up. I'll be around here much more often because now it's time to roll up my sleeves and dig in the dirt.

YIPPEE!