Complete Gardening
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are a gardener’s delight in the fall.
These vibrant flowers fill gardens with colorful blooms just as summer flowers begin to fade, making them a quintessential part of any autumn landscape.
Mums are relatively easy to grow and maintain with the right care.
This article will guide you through simple tips to grow and care for mums, ensuring your fall garden stands out with stunning blooms.
Why Grow Mums in Your Fall Garden?
Mums are beloved for their wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Their ability to bloom profusely in cooler temperatures sets them apart from many summer flowers that may start to decline as autumn approaches.
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, mums are hardy and can survive in a variety of climates, making them a great option for gardeners of all skill levels.
Additionally, mums are long-lasting when cared for properly. With some varieties blooming from late summer through the first frost, they provide vibrant color to your garden during a time when other plants are winding down.
So, let’s explore how you can grow these stunning flowers and keep them healthy throughout the fall.
Choosing the Right Mums for Your Garden
Before diving into how to care for mums, it’s essential to choose the right variety for your garden. There are two main types of mums: garden mums and florist mums.
Garden mums, also called hardy mums, are perennials that can withstand cooler temperatures and are better suited for outdoor planting.
Florist mums, on the other hand, are typically grown indoors and often do not survive winter conditions.
When selecting mums for your garden, look for hardy varieties that will last through the season and potentially return next year. Some popular garden mum varieties include:
Daisy Mums: Known for their daisy-like appearance and bright colors.
Cushion Mums: Compact, mounding plants that work well as ground cover.
Spider Mums: Unique, long petals that resemble spider legs, adding texture to your garden.
Button Mums: Small, rounded flowers that are perfect for adding detail to your garden design.
Once you’ve chosen your mums, it’s time to think about where to plant them.
Preparing the Perfect Spot
Mums thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, mums bloom more profusely and grow stronger when they get plenty of direct sunlight.
Proper sunlight not only promotes flower production but also helps keep plants from becoming leggy.
The soil you plant mums in is equally important. Mums prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in compost or other organic material to improve its structure. This will help the mums’ shallow root system establish more easily and prevent water from pooling, which can lead to root rot.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
1. Dig a hole: Make the hole slightly larger than the mum’s root ball.
2. Place the mum in the hole: Ensure the plant is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole: Fill it with soil, gently firming it down to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly: Give your new mums a good soaking to help them settle in.
Watering and Mulching for Healthier Mums
Mums have shallow roots, so consistent watering is key to their success. During their active growing season, mums require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Be sure to check the soil frequently—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
Avoid overwatering, though, as mums do not like to sit in soggy soil. One way to prevent this is by using mulch.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Mulching also helps suppress weeds and protects the shallow root system during temperature fluctuations.
Encouraging Full Blooms with Pinching and Pruning
One of the best-kept secrets to growing lush, bushy mums with abundant blooms is pinching. Pinching back mums encourages branching, which leads to more flowers. Here’s how to do it:
Start pinching in late spring or early summer when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
Pinch off the top inch or two of growth to encourage side shoots to develop.
Continue pinching every few weeks until mid-July. After that, let the plants grow naturally to develop flower buds.
For mums purchased in late summer, pinching isn’t necessary, as they are already set to bloom. However, to keep your mums looking tidy, practice deadheading.
Remove any spent or wilted flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and keep the plant healthy.
Fertilizing for Maximum Growth
To get the most out of your mums, fertilize them in the spring and early summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This provides essential nutrients that help mums develop a strong root system and promote healthy growth.
Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage the plant to grow new foliage rather than focus on producing flowers.
For potted mums, it’s especially important to feed them with fertilizer since container plants tend to lose nutrients more quickly.
How to Care for Mums in Containers
Mums are perfect for container gardening, adding vibrant color to patios, porches, and balconies. However, container-grown mums need a little extra attention to thrive.
1. Repotting: If your mums came in a small nursery pot, consider repotting them into a larger container.
Mums can become root-bound quickly, which means their roots don’t have enough room to grow. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil.
2. Watering: Potted mums dry out faster than those planted in the ground. Check the soil daily, and water when the top inch feels dry. Ensure excess water drains out of the bottom to prevent root rot.
3. Sunlight: Place the pots in a location where they can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Winterizing Your Mums for Next Year
Mums can survive winter, especially if they’re planted in the garden, but they need some extra care to make it through. Winterizing mums involves a few steps:
Do not prune: Leave the dead stems and foliage intact after the blooms fade. This will protect the plant’s crown through winter.
Add mulch: Apply a 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots.
Wait for spring: In the spring, once the threat of frost has passed, remove the mulch and cut back the old stems to allow new growth to emerge.
For mums in containers, move them to a sheltered area, such as a garage or shed, where they can stay above freezing but still cold enough to remain dormant.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even though mums are relatively easy to care for, they are still susceptible to a few common problems, including:
Aphids and mites: These pests can feed on mums, but they’re easy to manage by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can appear in humid conditions. Prevent it by spacing plants properly for good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Yellowing leaves: This can be a sign of underwatering, overwatering, or poor soil drainage. Adjust your watering routine or improve the soil’s drainage to remedy the issue.
Decorating with Mums
In addition to their garden appeal, mums are a staple for fall décor. Try pairing them with pumpkins, gourds, or hay bales for a festive look. You can also use mums in window boxes or as table centerpieces to bring seasonal charm indoors.
Creative Ideas for Using Mums in Fall Displays:
Pumpkin planters: Hollow out a pumpkin and use it as a decorative container for small mums.
Layered displays: Group mums in varying heights to add depth and interest to your porch or patio.
Mixed pots: Combine mums with other fall favorites, like ornamental kale or pansies, for a colorful arrangement.
Growing mums is a rewarding experience that can transform your fall garden into a vibrant showcase of color. By choosing the right varieties, providing proper care, and following these simple tips, you can enjoy stunning blooms throughout the season.
Whether planted in the garden or grown in containers, mums are a versatile, low-maintenance plant that will brighten your outdoor space year after year.
With just a little effort, your mums can thrive well beyond the fall season, ensuring your garden remains a captivating display for all to admire.