Question
I planted my Mum last fall,but all year I have not been pruning it and you should see how tall it is now at least 3and 1/2 feet if not more. Will it still bloom being that big,or should I prune it back now or leave it till next year to prune?.Would like a response please.Signed a flower lover

Answer
Your mums will bloom, but there will be fewer than if you had pruned them and stimulated branching.

A single stalk of anything blooms at the end of the stem.  Pinch it - cut off the tip - and you get branches off to the side and more growth below.  Each branch theoretically gets a bloom at the end of the stem.  You really multiply your blooms that way.

If you go another season with these mums, however, it is VERY important to prune them.  The lengths of the branches makes them brittle and liable to break; with no growth below, the stem will die.  Prune the tops this year if you don't mind a short delay in the flowering.  That depends on where you live -- if there is frost, they may not survive in your area.  My region would not have a problem with a delay in blooming, but for future purposes, remember to stop pruning after the 4th of July if you want to keep all systems on go.  Next spring, try dividing them and pruning those divisions.  Stimulating new growth is the name of the game.

Thanks for writing.  Enjoy your Mums.