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Keep Your Mums Coming Back Every Year With These Helpful Planting Tips
By PEG ALOI
Many people treat mums like annuals, only growing them in containers. However, if you choose small plants and plant them in your garden early enough, they can become perennials.
To try growing mums as perennials, acquire small potted plants via mail-order in the spring to give them time to get acclimated. You can also buy potted nursery mums in the fall.
Get the smallest mums, usually in a 4 to 6-inch pot or 8 to 10-inch pot if the former is not available. Allow smaller mums without many flowers or stems to grow at their own pace.
Plant them in your flower bed, allowing enough space for them to double in size each year once they’re established. Deadhead as needed and mulch them lightly to protect from frost.