When to plant mums?

[Lucy]

I'm in Atlanta. Thanks!

[scbshell]

Well, I'm in Virginia and I've already done it, but it is really still too hot for them. Since you are farther south, it is probably still hot for your area too. I have mine in pots on my porch and I water them constantly. I would say you could try some in pots now if you wanted, just keep them well watered. They don't like 80-90 degree temps and will dry out quick.

By the way, I've found Home Depot to be one of the most inexpensive for the larger size pots of mums.

[OliviaEllyn]

planted some last week, which are starting to bloom.. will purchase some more this week to come.. in order to get a nice color through fall.

[Sophie]

Lucy, I'm just north of you in the foothills, and I'm going to wait at least a week or so before I plant any. Its just been so darn hot, and dry! I'm seeing a few out but the ones I've seen look really small.

[caseymae]

Do you all treat your mums are annuals? Put in pots and then pitch when 'done'... I can't believe all the mums around my area in the nurseries!!! I asked one of the guys what in the world do people do with all these mums... if planted in the ground, there wouldn't be room for anything else! I did get some last year for my porch and gave to my neighbor for her to plant.. just curious.... TIA

[OliviaEllyn]

I've planted them also afterwards.. and only a few came back after we had a nasty freeze in late spring .. it'll be a 3 year for the mums that popped up.. otherwise I usually get my mums from HD or New River Pottery.. 2 bucks for a large container.

[diva in SC]

so that is what I'm doing wrong...it must be too hot here, still. I thought I might be over-watering.

[scbshell]

Diva,

I would let them completely dry out between waterings. If you aren't doing that, give that a try. If that doesn't work, if you have a porch or covered area where they can get indirect sunlight, it might be better for them. Then they aren't out getting fried in the sun, but they are still getting light.

Good luck with them. :)

[diva in SC]

Thanks for the tips, scbshell. I do have them in direct sun. Will move them to the porch.