Hardy Mums?

Question

I have hardy mums and I wanted to know should I cut off the dead flowers now or do I wait until spring? Or what should I do so that my flowers will survive until next year (we live in TX so its not going to be that cold of a winter)?

Answer 1

I have done both, in my SW Missouri garden, and I can't really tell the difference whether it matters or not. I think if you cut them off, it keeps them from putting on new growth when leaves get caught in the branches and they are covered through the winter, and they survive better. On the other hand, if you leave them until spring, the leaves cover them and they put on new growth that will be further along in the spring. But that tender growth is really sensitive to frost, and if they get uncovered too early and the weather turns bad, it could kill the whole plant. So to be on the side of better safe than sorry, I would cut them off.

Answer 2

Well I live in Massachusetts, so they are not so Hardy!!!!!!!!!
any ways I have always cut the heads off my perennials in the fall and cleaned up fallen leaves.
Because I do not want a fungus attack through the winter!
Cleanliest is next to Gardenliness!

Answer 3

I live in michigan and we wait til spring.