How to Trim Mums for Winter

Although they bloom in the fall in cooler weather, mums, more formally known as chrysanthemums, are not tolerant of freezing weather and require winter preparation. There is debate over whether trimming for winter is the best protection against freezing for mums grown in the ground. These mums may actually survive the winter better with the foliage left in place. Mums grown in pots and containers, however, should be trimmed in preparation for winter dormancy.

Bleach
Bucket
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Mix together one part bleach and nine parts water in a bucket.
- 2
  Place the blades of the pruning shears in the bleach mixture for 30 minutes to sterilize the blades and prevent the spread of disease.
- 3
  Rinse the pruning shears with fresh water.
- 4
  Identify a point on the mums that is about four to five inches above the level of the soil.
- 5
  Cut each stem, using the disinfected pruning shears, at the point identified in Step 4. Make cuts that are straight and clean. Do not cut at an angle or leave jagged edges, which provides a greater opportunity for viruses and bacteria to attack the plant.
- 6
  Remove and discard the cuttings.
- 7
  Place the mums in a cool, protected area.
- 8
  Water the mums about once per month throughout the winter so that the soil does not become completely dry.

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