What should I do with chrysanthemums so they don't flop in fall?

Question:

My chrysanthemums get tall and lanky and flop over onto the ground in fall. What can be done to prevent this?

Answer:

Pinch newly planted and established mums from spring to mid-summer.  Remove the upper 1 to 2 inches of the shoots when the stems are 6 to 8 inches tall.  New lateral (side) shoots will develop along the stems.  Pinch again when the side shoots reach a length of 6 to 8 inches.  Pinching can be done with your fingers or a pair of hedge clippers.  Continue pinching until early July.  Pinching mums results in bushy, compact plants with additional flowers.   

Learn more in this article: Growing Chrysanthemums in Iowa.