Question
Hi,
We have been having a discussion in our office
about the Fall Mum's we purchased to decorate
our office and homes.  
They all seem to die fairly quickly.
Some of the people here think that if you
plant them outside they will come back next
year.  
Is there  a way to keep these plants going?
cuttings? seeds?  anything?
thanks
Jill

Answer
Chyrsanthemums are perennials in most climate zones.  However, depending on the species, they can be categorized as either tender or hardy.  In the northern zones of the country, tender mums will not survive.  However, with the proper care, hardy mums will survive the winter.

To prepare them for winter, cut them back by 1/3 in mid-November.  Cover them with shredded leaves to keep the soil from heaving over the winter.  You can use mesh or chicken wire to contain the leaves.  Next spring, remove the leaves. They should grow just fine, blooming again next fall.

Mums can be propagated by saving seed or with cuttings.  I recommend cuttings since seeds will not produce true to the parent plant if the mums are hybrids.  Cuttings will produce exact traits, including color and growing habit.  Simply cut a tender shoot, removing all but the top set of leaves.  Dip the stem into a rooting compound, and then place it in a 4" pot filled with a good potting soil.  Water deeply, and then cover the entire pot with a light, clear piece of plastic to hold in the moisture.  Check the plant after two weeks by gently tugging to see if the plant has rooted.  Once it does, remove the plastic, and treat it as you would any other seedling.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike