Chrysanthemum Pinching

Chrysanthemums should be pinched to develop a compact plant that won't collapse or fall when flowering. An actively growing plant during spring and summer, properly fertilized and watered, will require four to six (4 to 6) pinchings.

Start pinching plants when shoots are eight (8) inches long. Pinch plants back by half. New shoots should develop within weeks. When these shoots are eight (8) inches long, pinch them back by half. As shoots reach eight (8) inches in height, prune back by half.

No pinching should occur after July 15th in order to develop a compact, blooming plant. Late pinching (after July 15) may remove flower buds