MINNEAPOLIS — Mums are great plants that really shine when most other plants have given up.
Here are the top three questions we get about the hardy plants.
- How do you pick a good mum at the store?
We always recommend buying a mum with flower buds that are closed or just beginning to open. The only time we would recommend buying one in full bloom is if you will be putting that mum in the shade. The flowers need sunlight to open.
- Will my mum come back in the spring?
Maybe. Some varieties are perennial and some are not. When and how you plant the mum makes a big difference, too. Those that are planted late in the season won’t have time to establish their roots and probably won’t make it. Give newly planted mums some mulch over winter to improve chances of survival.
- Do I need to bring my mum in on cold nights?
A light frost is OK for a mum. In fact, it can help intensify the color of the flowers. But a hard frost will damage your mum. If the forecast calls for temperatures below freezing, it’s best to cover or tuck your mum in the garage overnight.
Happy fall!