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Growing mums in containers

I live in Zone 5b and would like to grow mums in containers. I have an enclosed front porch that is not heated and can bring the containers in during the winter. Last year, I purchased several mums, placed them in containers and left them out during the winter...nothing survived. Someone suggested purchasing "hardy" mums. What should I look for and how do I care for them? My gardening skills are not the best, but I am willing to try. Any and all suggestions will help. Thank you, Kathy

Submitted by BHGPhotoContest

Hi
If you are going to grow hardy mums as a fall display in containers you probably should consider them temporary color. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to keep them alive over the winter in pots. Outside, the key to mums is to get them planted early, keep them well watered and offer them a bit of a mulch to get them through their first winter. Hardy mums are not has hardy as many other perennials and some of them will come back for years and others will not. They are more iffy on overwintering than other perennials. If you truly want mums to winter over the best time to plant them is in the spring when they are offered as small plants. That way, they have a full summer to get established and don't die so easily. But, it is possible to overwinter them, you just have to plant early and be very kind to them water-wise.

Answered by BHGgardenEditors

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Also in 5b. :-) Read a tip from a woman in 6a: Success with large mums uncut in cement pots/ back of unheated garage/ lightly watered 1 X mo. I had to modify due to lack of garage. My try: plastic drainage pots with trays/ unheated attic/watered when dry (3wks). Results: Short green growth at root base steady throughout, now sprouting tall green ones. Our winter has been insanely warm. I'm going to cut back the dead stuff and plant this week. Next year: Will darken attic more. Good Luck with yours!

Submitted by ldycabdrvr_67

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Submitted by ldycabdrvr_67

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No it was not helpful. The question was about planting in containers. Do we bring the containers in? Can I put them in my shed for the winter? Do we bring them in the basement? and when do webring them ack out????

Submitted by gabbyx10

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