How to Pinch and Propagate Mums from Cuttings

As mum flowers fade, pinch back only the spent bloom stem, cutting just below the top leaf set. After first frost, cut plants to a few inches and mulch with shredded leaves or straw for winter protection.

To root cuttings: take 6-inch tender shoots, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant 1 inch deep in pre-moistened potting mix. Cover with clear plastic, place in indirect light (east window or fluorescent), and check for roots in two weeks by gentle tug. Once rooted, remove plastic and keep moist.