How to overwinter fall mums, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension experts
Proper timing and winter care is critical for overwintering fall-purchased mums.
Garden mums, Chrysanthemum x morifolium, are known for their vibrant blooms and resilience and are a popular choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes in the fall.
Although they are a perennial in Virginia, large, showy garden mums planted in-ground after flowering in fall are unlikely to make it through the winter and come back next year. To ensure these perennials thrive and come back strong each year, proper winter care is essential,” said Ashley Appling, Extension agent in Culpeper County.
Virginia Cooperative Extension experts offer these tips for planting mums in the fall:
- Plant as early as possible, ideally, in late August or early September, to ensure good root development for your garden mums. The later the mums are planted, the lower the survival rate.
- Choose smaller plants — for example, those in 1-quart containers — that aren’t quite flowering yet. Once plants are in full bloom, they are focused on sending energy to their flowers not on making roots.
- Mulch well. Freezing and thawing of the soil during the winter can cause the plant to heave, exposing its roots to drying winds and increasing the chance of death. Add 3 to 4 inches of light, airy mulch over the crown of the plant to help prevent winter heaving.
- Leave existing foliage and stems on the plant until after the first hard frost. The material helps provide insulation against harsh winter conditions.
- Keep watering until the first hard frost. Gradually reduce watering as winter approaches.
- Plant mums in an area that receives six or more hours of direct sunlight. Remember that a sunny spot in fall might not receive enough light in summer when trees have leaves.
“An alternative to planting this fall is to keep the plant protected while still in its original container,” said Ed Olsen, consumer horticulture specialist and Extension Master Gardener program director. “You can move the plant to a cold frame or greenhouse structure. You can also keep the plant in the corner of an unheated basement or insulated garage where it will not freeze.”
With a little preparation and care, your hardy mums will reward you with their stunning displays of color every fall.
About the experts
- Ashley Appling is the Horticulture Extension Agent in Culpeper County and is an ISA certified arborist. Snhe has extensive experience in the nursery and landscape industry and is knowledgeable on all aspects of ornamental horticulture.
- Ed Olsen is the consumer horticulture specialist and Extension Master Gardener program director for Virginia Cooperative Extension.
