Don’t give up on your mums just yet.
Once those colorful blooms begin to fade, though, most gardeners toss the mums out.
It’s a shame, because garden mums are usually hardy and can be replanted in the ground.
Credit:Carolyn Ann Ryan / Getty Images
Instead of wasting your mums on a repeating cycle every year, plant them in the garden to overwinter.
Those mums will thank you by showing off their blooms next fall.
The former can overwinter in your garden, while the latter won’t survive a freeze.
So how can you tell the difference?
Among garden mums, the most common types are compact and dense “cushion” mums.
The flowers may be spidery or look like daisies, pom-poms, or thick cushions of slightly curved petals.
You should see some green growth right at the soil level.
You’ll also need mulch or leaves to help retain moisture and keep the roots warm.
Once the weather grows cold, they won’t need watering as frequently.
Again, leave at least 6 inches of dead growth in place until the weather warms in spring.
If you would like to fertilize, use a water-soluble, nitrogen-heavy fertilizer in spring.
Once buds appear, switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer that is higher than phosphorus.
Some mums will bloom early or grow rangy unless pinched.
Then let your mum continue growing until it reaches itsfull fall glory.
Common Issues And Solutions
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