How To Grow Chrysanthemums in Zone 4 and 5

Choosing varieties that are cold hardy will make chrysanthemum growing infinitely easier in cold regions. We own the famous Lehman chrysanthemum stock which was primarily bred by the Lehman family in the 1950’s and 60’s. They lived in Minnesota and were especially interested in breeding cold hardy varieties that are perennial down to zone 4 for use in the landscape and as cut flowers. You can shop our cold hardy mum varieties here.

From left to right are some early bloomers that are wonderful when grown together in the landscape or for bouquets: Fancy Free, Cameo, and Centerpiece.

Plant cold hardy cuttings in the spring after last frost or 6-8 weeks before the first frost so as to give your plants time to establish roots before they go dormant for the winter. In zones 4 and 5 especially you would be able to get away with planting cuttings even in the middle of summer if you are careful to keep your little cuttings hydrated. If you live in zones 4 or 5, cut your mums to the ground after first frost and cover them with a thick layer of mulch and leaves for winter protection.

You will also do well to choose varieties that are early blooming so as to enjoy your blooms as long as possible. My very favorite cold hardy early bloomers are: Belle O The Ball, Cameo, Gold Country, Centerpiece, Peach Centerpiece and Quarterback. We also sell our Early Set of 8 Mix which is fabulous. Also all of the Mammoth mums such as Grandchild were bred to withstand winters down to -30F for Minnesota winters. Those will grow in a huge mass of color in the landscape. They’re exceptional. There are many others with all kinds of uses - cut flowers etc.

All of our varieties are cold hardy. You can shop our full selection here.