- 1). Plant your mums in well-drained soil in spring, not fall, to allow the root system to establish. This gives your mums a much better chance at surviving the winter. Pick a planting location, such as by a wall, that will protect the mums from harsh winter winds.
- 2). Allow the mums to grow as normal until late November or early December, when the weather has turned colder and the frost has already damaged some of the flower buds. If your area gets cold earlier, adjust according to the weather.
- 3). Cut back the mums to 4 inches above the soil line. Throw out the cut parts to minimize disease in the following growing season.
- 4). Wait until the ground is completely frozen and cover the mums and the surrounding ground with thick mulch made from straw or leaves.
- 5). Remove the mulch when all chance of overnight frosts has past. Water and fertilize the plants to begin a new season, and care for the mums as usual.
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