As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than by adding a splash of vibrant color to your garden with chrysanthemums, or as they’re affectionately known, mums. These fall favorites are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
Why Mums Are the Stars of Fall Gardens
Mums are the quintessential fall flower, boasting a dazzling array of colors from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. Their full, rounded blooms are a sight to behold, adding warmth and cheer to any garden or patio. Plus, mums are incredibly versatile—whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden beds, fill out your containers, or create a stunning front porch display, mums are up for the task.
Choosing the Right Mums
When shopping for mums, you’ll find two main types: garden mums and florist mums. Garden mums are hardy and can be planted in the ground or in containers, where they’ll often come back year after year. Florist mums, on the other hand, are typically grown for indoor use or short-term outdoor displays and may not survive the winter.
For long-lasting beauty, opt for garden mums. Look for plants with plenty of unopened buds, as these will bloom longer and give you more color throughout the fall.
Planting Mums: The Key to Success
- Location, Location, Location: Mums thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you’re planting in containers, be sure they’re placed in a sunny spot.
- Soil Matters: Mums prefer well-draining soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or planting mums in raised beds or containers. This will help prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Spacing: Give your mums room to grow by spacing them about 18-24 inches apart. This will allow them to fill out and create a lush, full look.
- Water Wisely: Mums need consistent moisture, especially when newly planted. Water them thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Caring for Your Mums
- Fertilizing: To keep your mums blooming beautifully, feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks until they start to bloom. Once buds appear, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage more flowers.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep your mums looking their best. Simply pinch off the dead flowers at the base of the stem.
- Pruning: If you want to encourage bushier growth, pinch back the stems when they reach about 6 inches tall, and then again when they’re 12 inches tall. Stop pinching in mid-July to allow buds to form for fall blooms.
- Mulching: As temperatures begin to drop, add a layer of mulch around the base of your mums to help insulate their roots and retain moisture.
Overwintering Mums
If you’re in a colder climate and want your mums to come back next year, you can overwinter them with a few simple steps:
- After Bloom Care: Once your mums have finished blooming, cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall.
- Insulate: Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 4-6 inches) over the plants after the first hard frost. This will protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Leave Them Be: Resist the urge to water or disturb your mums during the winter. Come spring, you can remove the mulch and watch your mums begin to grow again!
Mums Indoors: Bringing Fall Inside
Mums aren’t just for the garden—they make fantastic indoor plants too! Place potted mums in a bright spot, water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, and enjoy their blooms for weeks. Once they’ve finished flowering, you can plant them outside to enjoy again next fall.
Final Thoughts
Fall mums are more than just a pretty face—they’re resilient, versatile, and with the right care, they’ll brighten up your autumn year after year. Whether you’re planting them in your garden, decorating your porch, or bringing them indoors, mums are sure to add a touch of fall magic to your home. So go ahead, embrace the season, and let your garden glow with the vibrant hues of fall mums!