PART 2: Prepping Mums for Winter and Beyond – How to Keep Them Coming Back
Cold Weather Protection: Keep Mums Safe Through Winter
As winter looms, preparing your mums for the colder months becomes critical. One of the easiest ways to insulate them is by applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after the first hard frost. The mulch acts as a blanket, helping to regulate soil temperature and protect the roots. If you live in a particularly cold region, you might even consider covering the plants with burlap or a frost blanket to guard them against harsh winds and freezing temperatures.
Pruning and Deadheading: The Secrets to Fuller Blooms
To encourage fuller, more vibrant blooms, pruning is a must. In early summer, when your mums have reached about six inches in height, pinch back the stems to promote bushier growth. Stop pinching by mid-July, giving the plant enough time to form buds before the blooming season begins.
As your mums start to bloom, keep an eye on the flowers. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, can extend the blooming season by encouraging the plant to direct its energy towards producing new flowers rather than seeds. This simple task makes all the difference in how long your mums will bloom.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
Mums, while resilient, aren’t immune to pests like aphids and spider mites or diseases like powdery mildew. Keeping a close watch and acting quickly at the first sign of trouble is crucial. For pests, insecticidal soap or neem oil can usually do the trick. For fungal issues, make sure your plants have plenty of air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Overwintering Mums: Should You Bring Them Indoors?
In especially harsh climates, overwintering mums indoors might be your best bet. Some gardeners opt to dig up their mums after the first frost and store them in a cool, dark place, like a garage or basement, until spring arrives. This method can safeguard your mums from extreme winter conditions and allow them to be replanted for another round of vibrant fall color.
Propagating Mums for Even More Blooms Next Season
Looking to expand your garden without the extra cost? You can easily propagate mums by dividing mature plants in spring or by taking cuttings during summer. When dividing, dig up the root ball and separate it into smaller sections before replanting. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and rooted in well-draining soil. With a little patience, you’ll have a garden full of mums in no time!
Avoid These Common Mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes gardeners make is planting mums too late in the season, which leaves them vulnerable to winter’s chill. Another common misstep is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or under-watering, which can stress the plant. Lastly, be cautious of high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they can encourage frost-sensitive growth.
Conclusion: The Key to Long-Lasting Mums
Fall mums are more than just a seasonal treat; they can be a garden mainstay if you know how to care for them. From choosing hardy varieties to planting them at the right time, protecting them from the cold, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your mums return year after year, bringing bright bursts of color to your autumn garden. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy the lasting beauty of mums for many seasons to come.
