Aim to get them in the ground at the very start of fall (that’s early September in regions with cold winters—Zones 4-5). In fact, in cold regions the very best and ideal time to plant perennial mums is spring, but early fall is also a good window. The second key to successful overwintering is good drainage.
How do you get mums to grow back every year?
Cut back the stems of the mums to 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm.) above the ground. Leaving a little bit of the stems will ensure that next year you have a full plant, as the new stems will grow from these trimmed stems. If you cut the mums back to the ground, fewer stems will grow next year.
Do perennial mums come back every year?
But if you’ve ever planted mums in hopes they’d return next year and were disappointed not to see them pop up again in the spring, here’s why: Mums are perennials , but only if you get them in the ground early in the growing season, (If you’re not sure about the differences between annuals versus perennials, read more ...
How do you care for perennial mums?
- Place your mums in a sunny area in your home. ...
- Keep the soil moist. ...
- Deadhead often for lasting blooms. ...
- Once your mums stop blooming, you can place them in the ground outdoors once the weather starts to warm.
Which mums come back every year?
Annual Mums
There are two types of mums: garden mums , which are treated as annuals and hardy perennial mums. Garden mums are the big, colorful annuals sold in pots each fall across the United States. When selecting garden mums, look for full, healthy plants that still have some tightly closed buds.
When should I plant my fall mums?
The early to mid-spring is the best time to plant mums. Mums may die off and only last for a single year if added later in the year such as during the fall or the onset of winter. With proper care, they will become a perennial fixture in your flower garden.
Do mums like sun or shade?
Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants . Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching.
What type of mums are perennials?
Garden mums, also known as hardy mums , are perennial mums. Cut-flower chrysanthemums, like spider mums or football mums, are perennials in Zones 5 to 9, and these types are becoming easier to find for sale online.
Can dead mums grow?
Cut back the dead foliage to the surface of the soil and bury the pot up to the edge. ... A layer of mulch on top of the pots will also help keep the roots warm. In the spring, if the mums start showing new growth, you can dig them up and set them out in the sun or plant them properly in your garden.
Do mums bloom more than once?
Chrysanthemums do not normally bloom twice . They put on foliage growth throughout the spring and summer, then produce buds in the late summer and fall. ... Start pinching them back as they grow through early July, then stop so that buds can form again.
Should you deadhead mums?
You don’t want to over-water your mums, however the worst thing that can happen is for them to get too dry. Deadhead often for lasting blooms . Take off wilted blooms and dead stems/leaves not only makes your mums look more beautiful, it helps your plant to bloom longer.
Should you cut down mums?
It’s always best to cut mums back every spring shortly after they first begin to grow . Timing is everything. If you don’t cut mums back in early spring, then they are more likely to produce a premature and disappointing period of poor bloom in summer and a lackluster season of poor bloom in fall.
What do I do with my mums after they fall?
Shortly after Fall or in late winter, when the mum has finished blooming, ensure you cut the plant’s stem to 6 to 8 inches above ground level . However, if you find the dead stems of winter valuable to wildlife or of interest, you may choose to leave the stems intact until the spring growth develops.
How do I save my potted mums for next year?
Cut mums back to within a few inches of the soil line before bringing indoors. Before bringing indoors, cut the mum back a few inches above the potted soil line. Next, for best success, store in a cool corner of the basement or a semi-heated garage . The goal is to allow them to go dormant without freezing.
How do I make my mums bloom?
Plant the mums in well-draining soil that receives full sun. Fertilize well to encourage blooms. If the mums produce spring blooms, pinch them back before late summer to encourage fall flowering. Before winter, cover plants with several inches of mulch or straw.
