Question
Hi! I live in zone 5 and purchased a mum of unknown variety this spring for Easter. It is happily in full bloom on my sunny kitchen table. I assume from the season that it has been forced into bloom. My question is what do I do to save it from death? I have other mums in my garden that over winter no problem but the were all planted in the fall.Can i just plant it after the first frost? Will it live the summer green then bloom again in the fall Or has being forced completely disoriented it? thanks

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
Thanx for your question.  Usually, when a plant has been forced to bloom, it takes so much energy from the plant that they are seldom able to recover.  With that said, remove the spent flowers after it has finished blooming and trim the plant down to about 4 inches tall.  Plant it out in the garden in full sun.  Keep it well watered and side dress with well composted cow manure.  If the plant starts growing again keep it trimmed back until July 4th and then let it grow to its heart's content.  If in fact it does keep growing, it's going to survive.  If it doesn't start growing it will eventually expend itself and die.  Some potted mums may not be hardy to Zone 5.  I hope this helps.
Tom