How to Protect Mums From Frost: Essential Tips

How to Protect Mums From Frost?

To protect mums from frost, there are several steps you can take.

Firstly, make sure to buy the appropriate variety of mum, labeled as hardy or garden mums.

Floral mums cannot withstand frost.

If you have hardy mums planted in the ground, do not cut them back, as the foliage helps protect them during winter.

For potted mums, bring them indoors when temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

Cut the mum back a few inches above the soil and store it in a cool and dark place.

Wrapping the pot in newspaper can provide extra insulation.

Water the mum sparingly, avoiding soggy soil.

In early spring, plant potted mums outside when frost is no longer a concern.

Water generously and consider adding compost.

If keeping mums in decorative containers, they may need to be repotted and divided for adequate root growth.

Covering plants with bed sheets, blankets, or other materials can protect them from frost.

Anchoring the covering down and watering the soil can help retain heat.

Plastic should not be used unless it is prevented from touching the foliage.

Lastly, it is better to cover plants when in doubt, and covering should be done as early as possible before nightfall.

Key Points:

  • Buy hardy or garden mums labeled as frost-resistant
  • Do not cut back hardy mums planted in the ground
  • Bring potted mums indoors when temperatures drop significantly
  • Cut back potted mums and store in a cool and dark place
  • Wrap potted mums in newspaper for extra insulation
  • Cover plants with bed sheets or blankets to protect from frost


Did You Know?

1. Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, were first cultivated in China over 2,500 years ago, and they were initially cultivated as a flowering herb rather than an ornamental garden plant.

2. In 2009, a chrysanthemum called “Yankee Doodle Dandy” set a Guinness World Record for the largest flower head circumference, measuring an impressive 91.76 centimeters (36.11 inches) in diameter.

3. To protect mums from frost, covering them with mulch or hay can provide insulation, slowing down the freezing process and helping to retain heat around the roots and lower stems.

4. Mums belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. This family is one of the largest families of flowering plants, with over 23,000 species distributed across the globe.

5. A traditional Japanese festival called the “Festival of Happiness” is held every fall to celebrate chrysanthemums. It is believed that displaying and admiring chrysanthemums during this festival brings good luck and happiness to those who participate.

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Choosing The Right Mums: Hardy Vs Floral Varieties

When it comes to protecting mums from frost, it’s important to understand the difference between floral mums and hardy mums. Floral mums, often sold in shallow containers, are delicate and cannot withstand frost. On the other hand, hardy mums are perennials that can come back year after year if properly protected.

To ensure the survival of your mums in cold temperatures, it’s crucial to buy the right variety labeled as hardy or garden mums. These mums have larger blooms and are often found in larger pots. By choosing hardy mums, you are setting yourself up for success in keeping them safe from winter frost.

Planting Hardy Mums In Fall For Winter Protection

One effective way to protect hardy mums from frost is by planting them in early fall. This timing allows the mums to establish their roots before the onset of winter. By giving them 4-6 weeks to establish themselves in the ground, you are providing them with a strong foundation for survival.

During this planting process, it is important not to cut back the mums that have already been planted. The foliage of these mums actually helps protect them during winter. So, resist the urge to trim them back, as they will benefit from the extra coverage.

Saving Potted Mums From Frost: Moving Indoors And Proper Storage

For potted mums, a different approach is necessary to protect them from frost. When temperatures become low enough to endure a hard freeze, it is time to move the potted mums indoors.

Cut the mum back a few inches above the soil, and then store it in a cool and dark place such as a basement or garage. This will help the mums conserve energy during the cold period. To provide extra insulation, wrap the pot in newspaper if temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.

During the storage period, it’s important to lightly water the mum every couple of weeks or when the soil is dry about 2 inches down. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to rot. By following these steps, you can give potted mums a fighting chance against frost damage.

Watering And Care Tips For Frost-Prone Mums

Watering and care play a vital role in safeguarding mums from frost damage. Regularly watering the soil, with the exception of succulents, helps retain heat at the soil level, providing insulation for the mums.

To ensure proper care, it is crucial to trim off blooms and prune the plants in early to mid-June. This practice encourages more offshoots and contributes to a beautiful fall bloom. Moreover, it is advisable to continue cutting back the plants as needed until mid-July, but be sure to prune them before the heads have formed.

  • To protect mums from frost damage:
  • Water the soil regularly, except around succulents
  • Prune the plants and trim off blooms in early to mid-June
  • Continue cutting back plants until mid-July, before the heads have formed
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Planting Potted Mums In Spring: Considerations And Maintenance

When spring arrives and the threat of frost has passed, it’s time to consider planting potted mums in the ground. Before doing so, make sure to choose an area that offers adequate drainage and receives full sun.

Plant the mums, water them generously during the first few weeks, and consider adding compost to provide essential nutrients. Keep in mind that if you plan to keep the mums in decorative containers, they will need to be repotted with new soil. Additionally, for proper root growth, it is advisable to divide large plants.

Maintenance is also important during spring planting. Cut off any blooms and prune the plants to promote bushier growth. By taking these steps, you can ensure healthy, vibrant mums come fall.

Protecting Other Cold-Sensitive Plants From Frost

While mums may be the focus when it comes to frost protection, it’s essential not to forget about other cold-sensitive plants in your garden. Hardy perennials and nursery plants with tender foliage are also at risk, and they require proper care to survive freezing temperatures.

For portable plants, it is best to relocate them to a garage or shed until the cold passes. This will provide them with shelter and a more controlled environment.

For non-portable plants, covering them is crucial. Bed sheets, drop cloths, blankets, row covers, burlap, cheesecloth, and other breathable materials can be used as covers.

The covering should be anchored down to capture the heat from the soil and prevent frost from settling on the foliage. Stakes can be used to hold the covering off the plants and prevent damage. Plastic should not be used unless a structure prevents it from touching the foliage.

Alternative covers like tomato cages covered with plastic trash bags, cardboard boxes, tubs, pots, and milk jugs (with the bottom cut out and lid removed) can also be employed. These makeshift covers provide an extra layer of protection.

Covering should be done as early as possible before nightfall to maximize protection. Additionally, it is recommended to hose off tender foliage in the morning to minimize or eliminate light frost damage.

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Remember, when it comes to protecting plants from frost, it is better to be safe than sorry. By taking the necessary precautions and following these tips, you can safeguard your beloved mums and other vulnerable plants from the dangers of frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mums need to be covered during frost?

Yes, it is advisable to cover mums during frost to protect them from potential damage. Frost can harm the delicate flowers and foliage of mums, causing them to wither and die. By covering them with old towels or sheets, all exposed areas of the plant are shielded from the potential harm of the frost. This protective layer helps to maintain a higher temperature around the mums, preventing frostbite and enabling them to thrive once the temperature rises.

How do you keep mums alive in the cold?

To ensure the survival of mums in cold weather, it is crucial to trim the plant, leaving a few inches above the soil level. Afterwards, store the mum in a cool and dark location like a basement or garage. The goal is to protect the plant from freezing while allowing it to enter a dormant state. In case the local temperatures may drop below freezing, it is advisable to provide additional insulation by wrapping the pot with newspaper. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of keeping your mums alive during the cold season.

What is the best material to cover plants from frost?

The best material to cover plants and protect them from frost is a frost blanket or row cover. These fabrics are specifically designed to insulate plants and trap heat from the soil, creating a protective barrier against freezing temperatures. By draping the cover over the plants like an umbrella and anchoring the edges down, it helps to capture and retain warmth, preventing frost from settling on the foliage and damaging the plants. Using materials such as beds sheets, light drop cloths, blankets, burlap, or cheesecloth can also provide temporary protection, but they may not be as effective as specialized frost blankets in regulating temperature and providing complete coverage.

How do you overwinter potted mums?

To overwinter potted mums, consider relocating them close to your house or another structure that can shield them from cold weather. This strategy works especially well if mums are known to be hardy in your region (typically zones 5-9). By positioning the pots under eaves or areas that can absorb and radiate residual heat from the building, you can safeguard the mums during the winter months.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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