Getting Two Blooms from Perennial Mums: Cut Back After First Flowering

A gardener with a mature white star-burst perennial mum asked if allowing it to bloom now (early summer) then cutting back severely could yield a second fall bloom, or if they must choose one season.

Two-Season Strategy

Tom confirmed it's possible: deadhead after the first bloom, cut back to about 6 inches, then pinch back until around July 4th for a fall flush. Don't let the initial bloom go too long. Chrysanthemums are heavy feeders; side-dress generously with well-composted manure.

Proper timing and feeding enable a double bloom season from garden mums.