In the Garden - Tips on Overwintering Chrysanthemums
55
Old Time Tips for Better Blooms Next Year
Varieties
Cushion Chrysanthemums - AKA: mums - are in full bloom in our gardens right now and I get frequent questions on how to get them to overwinter here in Wisconsin. In warmer climates the florist varieties such as football or spider mums may be wintered over but in northern climates it's best to start with the cushion varieties for the best results.
From Early Fall On
From old-time tips handed down through the generations and through trial and error, I have found that the best way to overwinter mums is to start by making sure the ground around them is very moist going into winter. Moist soil eliminates air pockets around the roots of the plants and eliminates damage by frost.
After the Ground Freezes
Mums will continue to bloom after light fall frosts if you can provide a light cover each time. Once the ground freezes hard at the surface, it’s time to provide top-side protection. We trim the tops back so that the plant stands about 4-6” tall. Next we apply a good layer of compost around each plant and as far out as the rootball extends. In a continuous bed of mums, we heap the compost in ridges at the front and back sides of the border. The ridge can be 2-3” deep. Next, we apply shredded leaves over the top of the plant/compost ridge to form a frost barrier. This will prevent the roots from breaking as the repeated, freeze thaw cycle happens through the early winter period.
In the Early Spring
Removal of the leaf layer in the spring can be done once new growth has started. You will note this by gently pulling back the leaf layer in spots and seeing the shoots emerge from the compost layer. The compost by this time will have condensed down, so there is no need to remove it. The compost will keep the roots cool and well fed through the summer months, for a grand display again in the fall!
CommentsLoading...
Thanks for dropping by Leann! Some winters, the mums will get by with little or no protection, but you'll have nicer looking plants with the compost/mulch combination. I think the most important part is the watering. Some falls are so dry! Good luck trying this out! Lori
Can i use straw instead of shredded leaves as my frost barrier? And how thick of a layer of leaves or straw should I apply? I have one mum on the northwest corner of my house, and I'm worried it might be too exposed. However, I don't want to smother it with too much mulch.
Straw is an excellent frost barrier for chrysanthemums. You will want to wait until the ground freezes before using it however, otherwise they could indeed be smothered. If your mum is planted in the fall, this protection is very important as the roots have not had enough time to grow out of the rootball into the surrounding soil. Be sure to keep the ground watered through the fall if it seems dry. This will help prevent a lot of frost heaving. Good luck and be sure to write and tell us how your mums tolerated the winter.
A very useful and easy to follow hub.
Great work and here's to many more to share on here.
Take care
Eddy.
Thank you for the nice comments. It is a great forum. Lori
leann2800 Level 5 Commenter 8 months ago
This is very useful. I never seem to get this plant right. I but new ones every year and while the ones i have from last year are still alove, I honestly can't tell you why. Just luck I guess. I could use more articles like this one.