Chrysanthemums

[wvaleriechas]

I grew spray chrysanthemums for the first time this year in a large tub using mixed colours & the result was breathtaking. Is ther any enthusiasts out there that can tell me how to overwinter these plants? Must I lift & put into garden soil or keep them in the pot? Time is getting on now & I would hate to lose them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thankou in anticipation.

[skylight]

Hi val, Once hard frosts have spoilt the chrysanthemum plants, cut them down to 23cm from the ground, remove all the leaves. Ease a garden fork in to lift the plants. Store in boxes or seed trays of barely moist topsoil, potting compost or peat. Keep in a cool, frost-free place overwinter. Use the stored plants to take cuttings in the spring. cheers skylight

[Clanad]

We've also had good luck with just pruning them back, as skylight instructs, but then just leaving them in the garden over winter. Our winters here in the western U.S. are probably quite a bit more severe than your's. We've two or three that are near ten years old...

[wvaleriechas]

Thankyou Skylight & Clanad, Your advice is much appreciated . Guess I will be busy tomorrow then. I have taken note re the frosts as we live in the Chilterns & have a reputation for being a "frost pocket". Do you think if I use a cold frame or cool greenhouse & cover with straw would help the survival of these plants as my cottage is tiny & dont have much indoor space? Thankyou both so much.

[skylight]

Hi again val, Yes plus a good layer of straw or polystyrene boxes would do just fine. Check them every so often until early spring. If you are worried about what to do with them then, just post a question and one of us will help you out. cheers skylight