Pinching
Pot mum cuttings are pinched to encourage lateral branching to produce fuller plants with a high flower count.
Pot mums are not pinched according to a schedule. Rather, they are pinched according to their growth. Before a pot mum is pinched, no matter what size pot, two requirements must be met: 1) the plants must be established with their root system reaching the bottom of the pot, and 2) 3/4" to 1" of new top growth should have occurred. Under proper environmental conditions, pot mums should be ready to pinch 12 to 14 days after planting in spring and summer months and 15 to 18 days after planting in fall and winter months.
When pinching, simply remove the top 1/2" to 3/4" of new growth, allowing approximately 6 to 8 leaves to remain on the cutting.