Understanding Garden Mums
Garden mums are a type of plant that produce beautiful flowers in autumn. They come in various colors, sizes, and shapes, and are a gardener’s favorite, especially in fall. Garden mums are hardy perennials that can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 5 to 9. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. However, many gardeners wonder if they can keep garden mums inside over winter.
The Basics of Garden Mums
Garden mums are herbaceous perennials that belong to the Asteraceae family. They are native to Asia and Europe and have been cultivated for centuries. Garden mums have a bushy growth habit and produce flowers in various shapes, such as pom-poms, daisies, and buttons. They come in a wide range of colors, from white and yellow to red and purple. Garden mums bloom in late summer to fall and can last for several weeks.
Growing Garden Mums
To grow garden mums, you need to start with healthy plants. You can buy garden mums from a nursery or garden center, or you can propagate them from cuttings. Garden mums prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They require regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. To encourage bushy growth and more flowers, you can pinch back the tips of the stems a few times during the growing season.
Overwintering Garden Mums
Garden mums are hardy perennials that can survive winter outdoors in zones 5 to 9. However, if you live in a colder zone or want to keep your garden mums inside over winter, you can do so with proper care. Garden mums require a period of dormancy during winter, which means they need to be exposed to cool temperatures for a few weeks to stimulate flower bud formation.
Keeping Garden Mums Inside Over Winter
Choosing a Location
If you want to keep garden mums inside over winter, you need to choose a suitable location. Garden mums require bright light, cool temperatures, and adequate humidity. A south-facing window that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal. You can also use artificial lights if you don’t have a sunny window. A cool room with temperatures between 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Avoid placing garden mums near heating vents or drafts, as this can cause stress and damage.
Preparing Garden Mums
Before bringing garden mums inside, you need to prepare them for the transition. First, you need to stop watering them a few weeks before the first frost. This will allow the plants to enter a dormant state. Next, you need to cut back the stems to about 6 inches from the soil level. This will help the plant conserve energy and prepare for winter. You can also remove any dead or yellow leaves to prevent disease.
Caring for Garden Mums
Once you have brought garden mums inside, you need to provide them with proper care. Water them sparingly, only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not overwater or let the soil become soggy, as this can cause root rot. You can mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity. Keep an eye on the temperature and make sure it stays between 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also fertilize garden mums once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
Bringing Garden Mums Outdoors
When spring arrives, you can bring garden mums outdoors again. Start by gradually exposing them to sunlight and warmer temperatures. You can also repot them if necessary and prune any dead or damaged growth. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can plant garden mums in the garden again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garden mums can be kept inside over winter with proper care. They require cool temperatures, bright light, and adequate humidity. Before bringing them inside, you need to prepare them by cutting back the stems and stopping watering. Once inside, you need to provide them with minimal care, including occasional watering, misting, and fertilizing. When spring arrives, you can bring them outdoors again and plant them in the garden. With these tips, you can enjoy beautiful garden mums all year round.