Chrysanthemums are some of the most colorful and varied fall flowers. Their bright colors and profuse blooms help gardens shine as the growing season winds down. Many gardeners think of mums as annuals, discarding them each year, but with the right care, they can be overwintered successfully to return year after year. This practical guide illustrates everything from choosing the right varieties to keeping mums thriving throughout the cold winter months.

1. Choosing the Right Mums

All mums are not alike in terms of overwintering. There are two kinds of chrysanthemums: garden mums and florist mums.

Garden Mums

Garden mums are perennial hardy flowers bred to grow outdoors. They are the best for overwintering as they can tolerate the low temperature.

1. Florist Mums: They are typically grown for indoor decoration and not very likely to make it through winter due to their relatively small root systems as well as a lack of hardiness.

When purchasing mums for your garden you want to get the hardy garden mums for your climate zone look for the label or stop by your local garden center.

2. Timing is Everything

The secret to successfully overwintering mums is planting at the right time. Ideally, plant mums in late summer or early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost. This will allow their roots to establish in the soil before the ground freezes.

If you’ve bought pot mums for fall color, consider moving them into your garden when the blooms fade. Planting too late in the season can reduce survival chances of mums.

3. Preparing Your Mums for Winter

Mums need proper preparation to be able to survive the winter. Here are the steps you need to take to get them ready:

1. Prune Cautiously

After the first sharp frost, when leaves die back, cut all stems to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground, leaving some stems will keep the crown from too rough weather.

2. Mulch Liberal

Mulch the base of your mums with a thick layer. Organic materials such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips are good mulch. Mulch protects the soil from temperature fluctuations and ensures the roots are not exposed to such elements.

3. Water Sparingly

Mums require moisture for survival, but during late fall, overwatering may lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and water sparingly during dormancy.

4. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Chrysanthemums prefer very well-drained soil. This means the soil contains plenty of air spaces to breathe, allowing for good penetration of water. Poor drainage can encourage rotting of the roots, especially over winter if water freezes onto the roots.

1. Choose a Sunny Site

Site your mums in an area that receives at least 6 hours of daylight. Adequate sunlight enables your mums to produce some energy in their roots as they prepare to survive until the next spring.

2. Improve Soil Drainage

If your soil tends to hold water, amend it with organic matter such as compost or sand to improve drainage. Raised beds are another excellent option for ensuring your mums don’t sit in soggy soil.

5. Overwintering Potted Mums

If you have mums in pots, overwintering them requires a slightly different approach:

1. Move Indoors

Bring potted mums inside before the first frost. Put them in an unheated garage, basement, or other such location where temperatures remain from 32–50°F (0–10°C).

2. Cut Back and Water Sparingly

Cut these plants back to about 3-4 inches and only water sparingly during winter. The idea is keeping the soil moist enough without letting the roots dry out.

3. Gradual Transition

Transfer them to a sunnier position and water more liberally during early spring as temperatures begin to rise. Reintroduce them back to your garden after the threat of frost has passed.

6. Common Problems and Solutions

Overwintering mums can be challenging, but by taking proactive steps, common problems that might arise can be solved:

1. Crown Rot

Causes: Overly wet or dried-out soil
Solutions: Improve drainage, avoid late fall overwatering

2. Frost Damage

Cause: Mulch is too thin or exposure to harsh freezing.
Solution: Use more mulch, and other protective coverings, like burlap or frost blankets.

3. Dull Spring Growth

Cause: The roots do not grow into the soil prior to winter.
Solution: Plant your mums early enough so they have time to root out.

7. Healthy Growth Revival During Spring

Spring is when the seasons awaken your mums. When spring arrives:

1. Gradually remove the Mulch

As the weather warms and new growth appears, gradually uncover the mulch so it does not smother the plants.

2. Divide Overgrown Plants

After several years, older mums may become overgrown. Divide the plants every 2-3 years in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

3. Fertilize and Water

In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that promotes vigorous growth and blooming. Continue watering consistently, with the soil moist but not soggy.

8. Prolong Fall Bloom

To make the most of your mums’ blooms next season, take these extra steps:

1. Pinch Back

Throughout late spring and early summer, pinch back the growing tips every few weeks to encourage bushier plants and more flowers. Stop pinching by mid-July to allow flower buds to form.

2. Deadhead Regularly

Remove spent blooms during the growing season to encourage continuous flowering.

3. Protect During Late Fall

If frost threatens in late fall while your mums are still blooming, consider covering them overnight to prolong their display.

9. Benefits of Overwintering Mums

Overwintering mums offers numerous advantages beyond just saving money:

1. Stronger Plants: Established mums grow more robustly, producing larger blooms and thriving in garden conditions.
2. Environmentally Friendly: Reusing plants reduces waste and the environmental impact of mass cultivation and transportation.
3. Seasonal Beauty: Mum returns each fall, providing a feeling of continuity and the surest of bursts of color every year.

It is a bit of a chore to overwinter chrysanthemums, but the pay-off is worth it. Good choices of hardy types, planting early, and conditioning your mums for the winter will reward you with these gay flowers year after year if you give them good attention throughout the seasons. Their survival through the winter will come so that they come back into bloom each fall and spread their bright blooms into and throughout your garden.

Make this season the start of a lifelong tradition in gardening, and let your chrysanthemums bloom for years to come!