How to Successfully Overwinter Mums and Ensure Their Bloom
How to Over Winter Mums?
To overwinter mums, begin by cutting off any brown foliage and stems about 3-4 inches above the soil for potted plants.
Place the potted mum in an unheated garage or shed where the temperature remains between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
For mums planted in the ground, transfer them to a pot before the ground freezes or heavily mulch them.
In both cases, adding potting soil and organic fertilizers to the mums will help them thrive in the spring.
Mulching with straw, leaves, or grass clippings will provide insulation.
It’s important to prevent frequent freezing and thawing, so keep the mums frozen or use enough mulch.
Cut off dead stems and bury them in mulch after the first frost.
By following these steps, mums can survive the winter and continue to grow bigger and lusher each year.
Key Points:
- Cut off any brown foliage and stems for potted plants
- Place potted mums in unheated garage or shed with temperature between 32-50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Transfer mums planted in the ground to a pot or heavily mulch them before ground freezes
- Add potting soil and organic fertilizers to help mums thrive in spring
- Mulch with straw, leaves, or grass clippings for insulation
- Prevent frequent freezing and thawing by keeping mums frozen or using enough mulch
Did You Know?
1. Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, were first cultivated in China over 2,500 years ago and were highly valued for their medicinal properties.
2. To promote abundant blossoms, it is believed that mums should be exposed to 13 hours of darkness daily during the period of late summer to early autumn.
3. The word “chrysanthemum” is derived from the Greek words “chrysos” meaning gold and “anthemon” meaning flower, reflecting the original golden color of the ancient species of this plant.
4. Throughout history, mums have been associated with various symbolisms in different cultures, including happiness, fertility, and longevity.
5. In Japan, chrysanthemums are so revered that they are known as the “Imperial Flower” and are used as the emblem of the Emperor. Additionally, the Chrysanthemum Throne is the name of the Japanese Emperor’s throne.
Introduction To Overwintering Mums
Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are beloved flowers that brighten up gardens during the fall season. With their vibrant colors and hearty nature, mums have become a popular choice for adding a splash of color to gardens and landscapes. Hardy mums can easily be found in box stores, farm stands, and supermarkets, making them accessible to all gardening enthusiasts.
One of the great advantages of mums is their ability to fill empty spots in gardens after other flowers have wilted. When most plants have gone dormant, mums continue to thrive and grow, providing a cheerful display well into the fall months. Along with pansies and asters, mums are true heroes of the fall planting season.
To ensure the longevity of mums and enjoy their beauty year after year, it is essential to properly overwinter them. By following a few simple steps, mums can be successfully protected throughout the winter months, allowing them to grow even bigger and lusher with each passing year.
Bringing Potted Mums Indoors For Winter
For those who enjoy mums in pots, it is crucial to prepare them for the colder months ahead. Begin by cutting off any brown foliage and stems, leaving about 3-4 inches above the soil level. This will promote healthier growth in the following spring. After trimming, carefully wrap the pot to prevent it from freezing and bring it inside to an unheated garage or shed.
The temperature in the chosen storage location should ideally stay between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure dormancy. This period of rest is essential in allowing the mums to recharge and prepare for the upcoming blooming season. While the mums may not be visible during this time, it is important to keep a close eye on them to ensure they are not exposed to excessive heat or cold.
- Cut off brown foliage and stems
- Leave 3-4 inches above soil level
- Wrap the pot to prevent freezing
- Store in unheated garage or shed
- Temperature should be between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure dormancy.
Protecting Mums In The Ground From Freezing
Mums that are planted in the ground require special care to survive the winter. If the ground has not yet frozen, it is possible to carefully dig up the mums and transfer them to pots. This allows for easier control of their winter conditions. Otherwise, heavily mulching around the plants can provide adequate insulation.
To protect mums in the ground, cut off any dead stems after the first frost and bury them in a thick layer of mulch. This mulch can consist of straw, leaves, or grass clippings. A sufficient layer will shield the mums from extreme temperature fluctuations and prevent freezing and thawing, which can be damaging to the plants. This method ensures that the mums remain dormant and safe until the spring arrives.
Adding Potting Soil And Organic Fertilizers For A Strong Spring Start
In preparation for the spring season, potted mums can benefit from a head start. By adding potting soil and organic fertilizers before winter, you can provide them with the necessary nutrients for a vigorous growth spurt come springtime. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a high-quality potting soil that is well-draining to avoid waterlogged roots.
- Gently mix organic fertilizers such as compost or well-aged manure into the soil. This will create a nutrient-rich environment for the mums.
- This additional nourishment will promote healthy root development and robust blooms when the growing season arrives.
- However, it is important not to over-fertilize. Excessive growth can lead to weak stems.
It’s important to give your potted mums the best possible start before the spring season arrives. Remember to provide them with the right nutrients and create a suitable growing environment.
Mulching Mums For Winter Protection
Mulching plays a pivotal role in protecting mums during the winter months. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps maintain a consistent soil temperature, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations that can harm the roots.
Choose a suitable mulch, such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings, and generously spread it around the mums. Make sure to cover their entire root system, creating a protective barrier against the cold. Mulching also helps regulate moisture levels, preventing the roots from drying out during the winter months. This extra layer of insulation will ensure that the mums remain dormant and protected throughout the coldest periods of the year.
Tips For Successful Overwintering Of Mums
To ensure the successful overwintering of mums, here are some valuable tips:
- Trim off brown foliage and stems, leaving a 3-4 inch length above the soil for potted mums.
- Wrap potted mums and bring them indoors to an unheated garage or shed, maintaining a temperature range of 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For mums in the ground, either move them to pots before the ground freezes or heavily mulch around the plants.
- Add potting soil and organic fertilizers to potted mums for a strong start in the spring.
- Mulch around mums with straw, leaves, or grass clippings to provide protection and insulation.
- Cut off dead stems and bury them in mulch after the first frost to maintain the health of the plants.
- Remember that remaining frozen during winter is less damaging than experiencing freeze and thaw cycles repeatedly.
By following these steps, mums can be preserved and enjoyed year after year, blooming even more abundantly with each passing season. With a little care and preparation, these resilient flowers will bring joy and beauty to your garden for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep mums over the winter?
To ensure the survival of mums over the winter, it is vital to trim them a few inches above the ground and find a cool and dark location, such as a basement or garage, for storage. This allows the plant to enter a dormant state while protecting it from freezing temperatures. In areas prone to freezing, it is recommended to wrap the pot in newspaper for additional insulation, providing extra safeguarding for the mums during their winter slumber.
How do you keep mums alive all season?
To ensure the longevity of your mums throughout the season, it is important to consider a few key factors. Firstly, find a sunny spot for them indoors where they can receive ample sunlight. Additionally, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, as mums thrive in well-watered environments. Regularly remove dead flowers, known as deadheading, to promote continuous blooming. Lastly, when the weather begins to warm, consider transplanting your mums outdoors to allow them to flourish in a natural outdoor setting. By following these steps, you can enjoy vibrant and healthy mums throughout the entire season.
How do I keep my mums from falling over?
To prevent your mums from falling over, it is important to regularly pinch and prune them during the spring to mid-summer period. When the stems of your mums reach a height of 6 to 8 inches, remove the upper 1 to 2 inches of the shoots. This helps stimulate the growth of new lateral shoots along the stems. Additionally, continue to pinch the side shoots when they reach a length of 6 to 8 inches. Following these practices will help your mums grow in a more compact and supported manner, reducing the chances of them tipping over.
Can mums survive the winter?
While it is unfortunate, the chances of fall planted garden mums surviving the winter, even with winter protection, are slim. These mums are typically not equipped to withstand the harsh cold temperatures and may not survive until spring. Therefore, it is advisable to consider flowering mums bought in the late summer or early fall as temporary additions to your landscape, rather than long-lasting plants.