With their burst of colorful blooms, mums are a treasured sight in autumn gardens However, to achieve the iconic dome shape and abundant flowers we love in fall, strategic pruning during the growing season is key When should you cut back mums in summer for optimal results?
Follow these tips on ideal timing and techniques for summer pruning to set your mums up for success
Understand Photoperiodism
Mums bloom in response to shortening daylight hours, a phenomenon called photoperiodism Pruning at the right time prevents disrupting this process. Too-late pruning won’t allow enough time for new growth and bud development before autumn
Aim for Early to Mid-Summer
For most varieties, the optimal window for cutting back mums is from late June through early July. This gives adequate time for the plant to bush out and initiate bloom development before fall. Many gardeners use July 4th as an easy target date.
Stop 6-8 Weeks Before Bloom Time
Another guideline is to cease pruning mums 6-8 weeks prior to their expected bloom period. Late-blooming varieties will need pruning stopped earlier than early bloomers. Know your mum’s schedule.
Prune Spring-Planted Mums Only
Mums planted in spring or early summer should be pruned in early summer to control shape. Don’t prune mums planted in late summer for fall color, as pruning could delay blooming.
Prioritize Good Airflow
Proper pruning opens up the inner branches to airflow and light penetration, preventing disease and promoting flowering. Focus on evenly thinning inner growth.
Use Pinching for Gradual Shape Control
For gentle pruning, use your fingers to pinch off tender new growth tips. Pinch main stems back by 2-3 inches and side shoots by 1 inch. Remove spent blooms promptly.
Alternatively, Use Hand Pruners
For quicker results, snip branches back by 2-4 inches with sharp bypass hand pruners. Sterilize tools between plants to avoid spreading disease. Make cuts just above leaf nodes.
Shape and Contain Potted Plants
Prune potted mums to create a rounded, mounded form about 2 times wider than the container. This shows off the flowers nicely. Pinch lateral stems often.
Prune Less Than One-Third of Total Growth
Never remove more than one-third of the plant’s total growth when pruning. Cutting too much shocks the plant and causes excessive regrowth. Go gradually.
Avoid Drastic Shearing
Resist the temptation to simply shear mums into rounded balls. This destroys the natural shape and flowering structure. Make selective pruning cuts instead.
Dispose of Pruned Trimmings Promptly
Quickly remove and dispose of diseased stems and foliage to prevent issues from spreading. Clean up all clippings around the base after pruning.
Be Diligent About Aftercare
After pruning mums, ensure they get adequate water and nutrients. Some organic fertilizer or compost provides a boost. Monitor for pests like aphids.
With the right schedule and technique, summer pruning sets up your mums for an abundance of flowers in fall. Just be sure to cease pruning by mid-July so blooming isn’t delayed. Careful trimming transforms leggy mums into the full, dome-shaped plants that herald the autumn season.
How To Stop Your Fall Mums From Blooming In The Summer / Make Your Mums wait To Bloom In The Fall.
FAQ
How do you trim mums in the summer?
What happens if you don’t cut your mum back?
How do you keep mums from blooming in the summer?
When should I cut my mums back?
Pinching back any later than mid-July can reduce the number of flower buds. NOTE: If you’re reading this article and it’s already June or early July and you have done no pruning, and your mums are tall and leggy, you can simply cut the plants about one-third to half way back. This should help to create a more dense plant that will bloom in fall.
Can you cut Dead Mums back to the ground?
After the Fall Bloom After your mums have finished blooming in the fall, and the foliage has gone completely dormant, you can cut the dead stems back to just above the ground. That being said, northern gardeners can leave the dead stems there to help insulate the roots from severe cold weather during winter.
When should you prune a mum plant?
The timing of pruning mums depends on the specific variety and your desired outcome. Here are some general guidelines: Spring Pruning: For garden mums that bloom in fall, it is best to prune them in early spring before new growth emerges. This allows the plant to develop strong stems and ample foliage during the growing season.
How do I prune my mums?
Here are some tips to help you prune your mums: Prune your mums in the spring when new growth appears. This will help promote bushier growth and more flowers. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease. Cut back any dead stems or foliage to the ground. This will help prevent disease and promote new growth.