when to plant mums in containers

The best choices are small plants in 4-inch containers that are just beginning to show buds or have no buds at all, but any garden mum is worth planting as a perennial in late summer. Plant fall-purchased garden mums early — even as early as late August — to help plants develop strong roots.

When should I plant potted mums?

If you're using a mum as a perennial, plant in early spring, or in the fall at least six weeks before the first killing frost. If you're using chrysanthemums for a pop of fall color to boost your late season garden, plant them when they're blooming in later summer or early fall and treat them as annuals.

What temperature can potted mums withstand?

Mums are cold hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive hot temperatures from 90 to 100 F, but they'll need plenty of water and a little shade.

Do mums come back in pots?

Potted mums are autumn classics, with late-season color that boosts curb appeal or brightens a Thanksgiving table. ... Treat your potted mums with care, and they'll come back whether you maintain them in the pot or plant them out in the garden.

Can I keep mums in pots over the winter?

You can leave your garden mums in the ground during winter, especially with a layer of mulch in the cooler zones. However, because potted plants are more susceptible to cold damage, bring your mums indoors for winter safekeeping. ... Keep mums outdoors until the foliage and flowers die back after the first frost.

Will mums come back every year?

They will grow back and your plant won't look dead in the middle." Many people buy mums in the fall thinking the plants are annuals. These people toss the mums in the trash once the blooms have faded. But if you buy hardy mums, you can get them to bloom year after year.

Can I plant my potted mums in the ground?

Technically, however, they can be planted in your garden any time before the first frost of fall. This means you can try removing the mums from your pot and planting them in the ground in the fall. ... Plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot and water them thoroughly after planting.

At what temperature should I bring my mums inside?

Indoor Mums Option

Potted chrysanthemums can be brought indoors when frost threatens, if you place them where they receive full sun or supplemental light. Keep the temperature between 70 and 75 F during the day and 60 F at night, according to the University of Missouri.

At what temperature should you cover mums?

Move the plant indoors to a dark area that is between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A basement or unheated closet might work well. If temperatures could drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, wrap the bottom and sides of the pot with three or four layers of newspapers.

How do I save my potted mums for next year?

Cut mums back to within a few inches of the soil line before bringing indoors. Before bringing indoors, cut the mum back a few inches above the potted soil line. Next, for best success, store in a cool corner of the basement or a semi-heated garage. The goal is to allow them to go dormant without freezing.

Should you deadhead mums?

Deadhead often for lasting blooms. Take off wilted blooms and dead stems/leaves not only makes your mums look more beautiful, it helps your plant to bloom longer. Once your mums stop blooming, you can place them in the ground outdoors once the weather starts to warm.

Do mums like sun or shade?

How Much Sunlight Do Mums Require? Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants. Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching.

How do I get my mums to come back every year?

Cut back the stems of the mums to 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm.) above the ground. Leaving a little bit of the stems will ensure that next year you have a full plant, as the new stems will grow from these trimmed stems. If you cut the mums back to the ground, fewer stems will grow next year.

How do you winterize mums in pots?

Choose a mostly dark cool area, such as an unheated garage shed or basement, which has temperatures between 32 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures could fall below freezing, wrap the pots with several layers of newspaper to protect the roots. Water your mums so that the soil is slightly moist.

How do you keep mums alive in pots?

Set potted mums indoors near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight all day, or place them outdoors where they can receive five hours of morning sunlight and afternoon shade. ...
Check the mums' soil moisture daily, and water the mums when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry.

How long do potted mums last?

Garden mums may be grown in containers, or planted in beds with existing shrubs and flowers. Flowers generally last about two or three weeks, depending on the outdoor temperatures and how far along the blooming process was when the plants were purchased.

How do you plant mums in pots?

Fill the bottom of the new pot with high-quality potting soil. Carefully remove the mum from its nursery pot. Break up any roots you can, or simply rough them up by rubbing them. Put the plant in the new pot, making sure the surface of the soil rests at least an inch below the lip of the new pot.

When should I trim my mums?

It's always best to cut mums back every spring shortly after they first begin to grow. Timing is everything. If you don't cut mums back in early spring, then they are more likely to produce a premature and disappointing period of poor bloom in summer and a lackluster season of poor bloom in fall.

What kind of mums are perennials?

Garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are perennial mums. Cut-flower chrysanthemums, like spider mums or football mums, are perennials in Zones 5 to 9, and these types are becoming easier to find for sale online.

How long will mums bloom?

Depending on weather conditions and mum varieties, you can expect to get a good display of color for four to six weeks. Extended periods of hot weather will age the flowers more quickly.

How do you deadhead mums?

Deadheading your mums after they've bloomed will help your plant put more energy into producing more blooms. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting or pinching the stem under the base of the flower.