Heres how to keep your mums healthy so they return next year.
Chrysanthemums are a sure sign that autumn has arrived!
Theyre the perfect backdrop tofall displaysof pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks.
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Technically, mums are perennials.
The key is getting your mums to establish a strong root system so that they can survive winter.
A plants goal is to reproduce.
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If you remove these flowers, the plant now sends energy into producing roots, instead of seeds.
Strong roots mean a better chance of surviving winter.
This pushes new root growth.
Stickley advises planting no later than September if youre hoping theyll return next year.
Theyre thirsty plants and proper watering also is important to get roots established.
The main purpose of deadheading mums is to encourage the plant to send energy to its roots.
Dont just top the head off, says Stickley.
Cut further down the stem for the health and appearance of the plant.
Best Time To Deadhead Mums
Timing is everything!
Dont wait until the flowers have turned brown and crispy because, by then, theyre already setting seeds.
