How to Kill Mums

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are low-maintenance flowers that grow in the late summer and into fall. In some regions, mums can survive the winter cold and may even be frost hardy. Since the flowering plant thrives under such varying conditions, the most reliable way to kill it is to pull it out of the ground. Timing the removal of the mums properly will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of the flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Shovel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wait until the frost kills the foliage of the mum above the ground. The flowers will fade and the foliage will turn brown and wither.

   • 2

     Cut the dead stems back to the ground with pruning shears. The roots will still be alive.

   • 3

     Use a shovel or hand spade to dig out the root ball of the mums. Pull the mum out of the ground. Knock the loose soil free from the roots and discard the plant in the trash or compost.