Are they going to look dead all of Spring and Summer?
With no sign of life on your plants, it's possible they did not survive winter.
Even hardy mums can have a short lifespan, average of 3 to 5 years.
These articles have more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/chrysanthemum-lifespan.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm
I live in Tn. and was wondering is to too late to start pinching back my mums. They are about 2 ft. high and there is a few flowers already blooming.
The first pinch is in spring when returning plants are about 8 to 10-inches tall. If you are planting mums in the spring, start the first pinch 2-weeks after planting. The second pinch is done around the summer solstice. This is the longest day of the year. Day length is shorter after that and the plants will naturally set buds. Many gardeners plan their final pinch on or about the 4th of July.
If you want later bloom, your #2 pinch could be delayed 1-2 weeks, or add a third pinch. If you want a tighter, more compact plant, take more plant stem when you pinch, or add a third pinch.
rowing healthy but not producing any buds. Why is it so. I tried cutting and replanting again in other pots. They are growing healthy but do not produce buds. What could be the reason.
This article will help you pinpoint the issue.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/chrysanthemum-bloom-season.htm
In the article they say cover the chrysanthum with mulch.. my question is do we cover it completely or just above the ground ?..if you have photos wiuld appreciate or else i wont mind explanation also...thanks you so much..and am sure this site help a lots newbie gardener to be a great gardener...?????
Mulch the soil surface only, not the plant. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem where it enters the ground, so there is no mulch up against the stem.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/spreading-mulch-in-gardens.htm
Received it as a gift. Not sure if its an annual or perennial. Would like to keep it in the pot as long as possible. Should it be planted after our first hard frost?
Chrysanthemums are, typically, annuals. I have kept some alive for over two years as long as I fed them some kind of fertilizer once a month. Keep the dead flowers cut off and keep them from the cold temperatures. They can safely be planted after the the threat of frost is gone. they can handle some cold, but they aren't really freeze tolerant. If you can get them to produce seeds (which are really small) then there is the chance that they will come back on their own, but with my experience, it is best to keep them from the cold if you want them to survive over winter.
Can a Chrysanthemum grow well in the house?
Sure, this link will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/indoor-mum-care.htm
How do I care for my Chrysanthemum indoors?
There are perennial and annual mums.
These articles will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/indoor-mum-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/chrysanthemum-lifespan.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm