MUMS, should they be cut back , and?

Question

covered with straw to keep them alive, so the winter freeze don't kill them?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Ok, I gather you live in a state or country that gets freezes or snow.
Don't trim back right now. Just push them down and cover with leaves, or straw to keep them insolated from the cold. Its called "Putting them to Bed".
When all chances of frost and freeze are gone in the spring, is when you remove the leaves and straw. It is then you cut down to 3 to 4 inch above the soil surface. As they grow. another 3 to 4 inches, pinch off the tip top growth. This forces them to branch out more and get fuller and fuller.
I usually do this till around a month before when I want to blooms to start apearing. Like August I dont tip anymore for fall blooms in Sept and October.
Then I just let them bloom away. then I start all over again.
Have fun.

Source(s):

Gardening 40 yrs

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

who can question a gardner of 40 years!

Answer 2

Cut them back now to about three inches to prevent damage from wind and heavy snows this winter. After the first hard freeze, mulch (straw's fine) 4-5 inches deep. Divide in the spring, if needed, fertilize, and pinch them back from the time they're about eight inches tall until the first of July. After that, they're forming buds, and you don't want to sacrifice bloom. Hope this helps...