If you want your mums to return stronger and more colorful each fall, overwintering them is key. Start preparing now so they survive the cold and surprise you next season.


Why It’s Worth It

Growing new mums every year can get expensive. But if you overwinter your existing plants, you:

  • Save money
  • Preserve varieties you love
  • Build a more sustainable garden
  • Enjoy stronger, established plants next fall

When to Start Planning

You don’t have to wait until frost hits. As fall begins:

  • Look for healthy, robust plants
  • Stop aggressive fertilizing
  • Plan where and how you’ll protect them during winter

Starting early reduces shock and increases success.


Four Ways to Protect Your Mums Through Winter

You have a few methods to choose from. Pick what fits your climate and space best.

MethodHow It WorksPros & Things to Watch
In-ground plantingTransplant the potted mum into garden soilBest insulation for roots, but more labor to dig and move
Bury the potLeave the plant in its container and bury it in the groundEasier to deal with later, while still offering root protection
Indoor storageMove the pot indoors to a cool, dark spotNo digging required, but you need to maintain dormancy conditions
Heavy mulching in placeKeep plants where they are and insulate them deeplyLow effort, though success depends heavily on insulation in your zone

How to Do Each Method

1. Planting in the Soil

  • Choose a sunny spot with good drainage
  • Dig a hole a bit larger than the pot
  • Loosen the root ball, place it, and backfill
  • Add compost and then a 3–4 inch mulch layer
  • After first frost, cut the stems back to 4–6 inches
  • Cover with extra mulch in late winter

2. Burying the Pot

  • Dig a hole that fits the entire pot
  • Sink the pot so the rim is level with the surrounding soil
  • Mulch heavily over and around the pot
  • In early spring, carefully lift the pot and refresh soil/root system

3. Bringing Indoors

  • Prune stems back to 4–6 inches
  • Place the pot in a cool, dark area (garage, basement, unheated room)
  • Water sparingly — just enough to keep roots from drying out
  • In early spring, gradually reintroduce light and resume normal watering

4. Heavy Mulching Outdoors

  • Trim stems to 4–6 inches
  • Surround the plant with 8–12 inches of mulch (straw, leaves, wood chips)
  • Add a breathable fabric cover, if needed, to keep mulch in place
  • In spring, remove mulch slowly and allow plant to wake naturally

Spring & Summer Care After Winter

Once cold passes, help your mums bounce back:

  • Remove mulch gradually
  • Repot or refresh soil if needed
  • Provide 6–8 hours of sun daily
  • Water when the top inch of soil is dry
  • Fertilize lightly — first for foliage, then shift to boost blooms
  • Pinch off early buds to encourage branching (especially in July)

These steps will encourage healthy, full blooms next fall.


Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Rot or soggy roots — often from overwatering or poor drainage
  • Cold damage — happens when insulation is insufficient or freezes reach the root zone
  • Rodent damage — critters sometimes nibble stems under mulch, so use a mesh barrier if needed
  • Start with a few plants before committing your whole mum collection

Final Thoughts

Wintering mums isn’t just about survival — it’s about giving them a head start for next season. With the right method, a little mulch, and patience, your mums can become a long-term, rewarding part of your garden.

Ready to get started? Choose your method today, begin your mulch or indoor setup, and look forward to vibrant mums again this fall.