Garden Mums

Mums add a vibrant touch to the late summer garden. While many other plants begin to die off, they come into full bloom. Mums are among the most popular flowers worldwide, second only to roses. Garden mums do not bloom all at once; they are categorized into Early, Mid, or Late season bloomers. Bloom time can vary significantly based on the plant's environment. For instance, temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s may delay blooming, while cooler temperatures could encourage earlier blooms.

- Early Season: Usually starts to bloom around the end of August to the beginning of September

- Midseason: Usually starts to bloom in mid to late September

- Late Season: Usually starts to bloom at the beginning of October

A common question is whether garden mums can return year after year. Not all varieties are capable of surviving the winter. In Ohio, there is a group known as 'Igloo mums' that are considered perennial. Additionally, Belgian mums are regarded as somewhat hardier than other varieties, although they may or may not come back each year.

The ability of mums to survive winter largely depends on the weather conditions. To help them overwinter, we recommend leaving the foliage intact once it turns brown for the season. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants after the ground has frozen. In spring, trim back the foliage and remove the mulch.

Can you overwinter garden mums in their pots? It is challenging, as freezing temperatures can solidify the soil and damage the roots. Once foliage has turned brown move the pots to an unheated garage or basement, and insulate them with straw and mulch. Avoid removing the foliage. Remember to check them monthly, watering as needed, and keep an eye out for any potential issues. In the spring, reintroduce the plants to a sunny spot outdoors, ensuring they are protected from harsh freezes.

For the best chances of survival, we recommend planting your mums in the ground as soon as possible.

Like other plants, garden mums require consistent watering. They cannot endure prolonged periods without water, especially shortly after being planted.

Garden mums also need deadheading to maintain their appearance. As the flowers fade, trim them back to the next leaf node, and they will continue to bloom beautifully in your garden for many weeks.