Allow two weeks after the full bloom period has passed for the seeds to mature. As a rule of thumb, when the dead brown foliage offsets the floral color display, the area can be trimmed. Mow the area to a height of 4-6 inches.

Often two cuttings will be needed to thoroughly break up the resulting stem and leaf litter. Annual mowing aids in seed dispersal, reduces competition of unwanted weeds and grasses and allows sufficient sunlight to penetrate to the lower growing plants and emerging seedlings.

CAUTION: Cutting the vegetation below 3 inches has a tendency to damage the perennial varieties.