Key Points Deadhead container mums to get more blooms and extend color into fall.Don’t prune hardy mums in fall—wait until spring for better growth.Water well, give full sun, and wait for cooler temps ...

Some plants are already budding for spring, and don't need pruning. But these shrubs benefit from a light pruning in autumn.

Pruning mums helps them grow fuller with longer-lasting blooms. Pinch tips at 4–6 inches tall, again at 12 inches tall, and stop about 100 days before bloom. Deadhead spent flowers once blooming ...