Garden chrysanthemums are completely winter-hardy. However, it is possible that you have florist mums. If so, they were bred for greenhouse forcing and florists' sales and may not be adapted to outdoor use. This is not to say that they will not survive or that you shouldn't give them a try. But you should be aware that they may be short-lived and not perform well. They need a place in full sun in well-drained soil that has been enhanced with a lot of good organic matter (compost). To have full plants with lots of blossoms, you need to pinch out the soft growing tip of each branch when the plant reaches 4 to 6 inches high. This is usually done about every two to three weeks in May, June, July, and August. After September 1, the plants are left to set buds. They should be fertilized every four to six weeks from early spring through August and kept moist but not wet.

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