How To Save Your Mums
If you unintentionally kill your chrysanthemums in the frosty winter, this is the article for you.
Every year my parents, friends, and neighbors buy chrysanthemums. It is hard for them to resist the temptation. I get it. Autumn dulls the summer flowers, the tree leaves change color and fall to the ground, and winter is approaching. A burst of color is wanted and needed.
So, dotted in the yards and on the porches are chrysanthemums. Savvy nurseries and drive-by stands show off their vibrant colors. People stop. People buy. The Mums survive the fall only to meet their untimely demise by winter. I’m starting to believe that mums are one of the most killed plants yearly. This doesn’t have to be the case.
How to save your Mums:
1. Enjoy them!
Life is short, and so is the blooming season of Chrysanthemums. Enjoy them while they last (and don’t forget to water them)!
2. Overwinter indoors
Once the frost comes, bring your Mums inside. They are perennials, but they should not be planted in the cold. Planting them in late autumn does not give the roots enough time to become established before it goes into dormancy. Plus, Mums have a shallow root system and are susceptible to damage during frost heave.
Once indoors, put them in a cool dark room. Do not cut back the foliage, do that in spring. Water them every 3–4 weeks or if they seem dry.
3. Plant in Spring
Spring is finally time to plant! Make sure you plant after the frost date. Find a spot that gets decent sunlight (6+ hours a day). Mums like to be planted in well-draining soil, nothing soggy. Mums don’t like droughts either, so strike the ideal balance of moist soil, but not soaked.
Once planted, water them to help them get established. Now is a great time to cut back last year's dead foliage. Mulch with 4 inches/10 centimeters of compost. This will help prevent frost heaving in winter and protect the roots.
4. Maintain
If stems grow too long, pinch them off to encourage fullness. Propagate by digging them up and dividing the root clump. Do this every few years in the spring.
Mums don’t have to be daunting and they don’t have to die either. Autumn wouldn't be the same in their absence. They add vibrance to dreary days and make for the perfect late-season flower. So go out! Buy as many Mums as your heart desires… You can now be free from guilt!
Happy planting
