Mums, the flower we love in its wonderful palette of autumn colors. Chrysanthemums, often called mums transfer well from the pot to your garden. Here are a few tips to make the transition successful.

First of all, for successful naturalizing of mums, buy the ones labeled ‘hardy mums’ rather than the florist mums, which can’t tolerate harsh winters. To distinguish a hardy type mum from the florist mums, hardy type mums form a rosette of leaves at the crown when they stop blooming. If this rosette doesn’t appear, don’t bother setting the plant into the garden.

In extremely cold climates, dig mums up and replant in containers. Winter potted mums in an unheated garage with a grow light, keeping the soil barely moist. Return to the outdoors after the last spring frost.

One last thing to remember is that mums don’t like wet feet. They are best planted in containers or in raised beds where drainage is good. Plant mums in clusters of three to five of the same cultivars for the most color impact.

©Deborah Tukua’s, mum tips were excerpted from her book, Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home.

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