When And How To Remove Dry Chrysanthemum Stalks

Question From: N. H. - Great Falls, Montana, United States
Q: the new chrysanthemums in my garden are trying to bloom but the old stalks look like dry sticks do i pull the old ones up or do i leave them alone until all the new mums sprout up? i'm a newbie gardener

A: Cut them back to the base of the plant. Next spring cut the dead stalks back as soon as new growth appears. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy