Are Mums Still Alive?
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”Charlotte, I took your advice and planted some mums from my neighbors. They look dead now. How can I tell if they are still alive?” — Noreen
Are Mums Still Alive?
Hi Noreen. Once the mums are planted, make sure to add a little leaf mulch around the base to keep new growth protected.
You won’t see much through winter but keep them moist, at least one gallon per plant per month.
I tend to peek into the centers late winter hoping to see some early sign of green growth. Even a tiny start will flush out into a new plant with the growing season.
Also don’t cut off the dead flowers and stems, those will protect the new growth through winter and early spring. I depend on those old tops to guide me to where a new mum should be growing.
Once you see new growth, keep them watered until they’re about 4-5 inches high. Then pinch off the top growth every week or so until July 4 to keep the plant bushy.
I take those cuttings and gently plant them in nearby soil to start new plants.
Charlotte