This is a question that is asked frequently and the answer has a number of factors to consider. Years ago our grandmothers had a limited selection of flowers that would bloom and provide color in the garden during the fall season. There were only a few types of mums and the flowers were limited to a few basic colors and they all bloomed about the same time. The consumer was interested in more colors that would bloom over a longer period of time. They wanted plants that bloomed in August all the way through the fall to Thanksgiving. They also seemed interested in different types of flowers for additional interest. The marketing people saw an opportunity and they asked the breeders to develop plants that would bloom over a longer period of time with more colors and different types of flowers.
Over time the breeders came up with very compact varieties that had hundreds of flowers, new colors and some with white petals and yellow centers. They developed plants that would bloom early and varieties that would bloom later. Those that bloom later are referred to as “season extenders”. Some even had more fragrance. All these “new” characteristics were the drivers of the breeding and hardiness was not one of the big issues so it fell by the way side. Many people look at mums as a seasonal decorating plant because they are used to replace some of the annuals that have served their purpose and if they survive the winter that is a bonus.
Here are the ways to improve the survivability of the “garden mums” we have today and some
of the things you can do that will help your mums get through the winter in good condition.
1) Plant your mums as early in the fall as possible, by mid-October is preferable.
2) Use good compost, peat moss or a good quality potting soil like Metro Mix 360 mixed 1/3 by volume with the soil from the hole you dig for planting. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil when planting is finished.
3) Use a starter fertilizer mixed according to the directions on the container with the backfill soil, this will stimulate those good healthy roots to get growing in their new location.
4) Soak the plant when it is planted by flooding the hole with water after planting is complete. Water the plant every second or third day if we don’t get rain. Avoid letting it wilt severely. It is very important to get the roots established.
5) Mulch the plant with about one inch of mulch when planting. In mid-December or when the ground begins to freeze and the top of the plant looks brown and dry cover the top of the plant with leaves or straw. Do not cut the top of the plant back at this time and be sure the soil is damp when you’re doing this step.
6) About mid-March, when we get a mild day remove the leaves or straw you put on in December. In April when you see the new shoots sprouting you can trim back the dead top to the new shoots. Fertilize at this time with a slow release fertilizer like Osmocote.
Now, when you follow these easy steps you should have better success with your mums surviving the winter. Send any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll do our best to help you with your gardening success.
31 years of growing
Meadow View Growers
www.meadowview.com
