Mums- The Fall Showstopper!

Learn how to plant and care for this seasonal favorite.

There's no question that mums are one of the gardening highlights of autumn. With a fantastic range of colors, these flowers are great at filling out garden beds and brightening porches as other plant varieties begin to fade. Chrysanthemums flourish in the mild temperatures of September and October, can bloom for up to 10 weeks, and with proper care can return year after year. The key is picking the right variety and providing the right growing conditions.

Aren't all mums the same?

Although they look the same, there are actually two different varieties of mums- garden mums and florist mums. Now if you plan on growing them in pots for their seasonal color, the type you get doesn't matter. However if you want to plant them outside (and have them survive the winter), garden mums are the way to go. These plants are bred from winter-hardy species and can be a beautiful perennial addition to your landscape. Check the plant tags- they should be hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. For example, Sensorium Emporium is located in zone 7.

How to Grow Mums in Pots

The most important tip for growing mums in pots is to choose the best plant. Look for one that has more buds than open flowers- it'll last longer and the transplanting process will be less traumatic. Oftentimes, mums have very compacted root balls from sitting in nursery containers. Therefore repotting your plant in fresh soil is one of the best things you can do for it. After transplanting it to its new home, give your mums a good soak and continue watering every other day or whenever the soil feels dry.

How to Grow Mums in the Garden

First, clear a spot in your garden for your new plant! Mums have shallow roots and hate competition so be sure to get rid of all weeds. As a sun loving plant, you should choose a spot that gets at least six hours of daylight. Mums can be planted in partly shady areas, however they'll be leggy and produce fewer, smaller flowers. Well draining soil is a must. Water your plants thoroughly and avoid drenching the foliage as this can lead to disease. Plants that you'd like to overwinter should get a high phosphorous fertilizer to stimulate root growth.

Preparing Mums for the Winter Months

A little preparation goes a long way! Mulch up to four inches around your plant with straw or shredded hardwood. Leave the branches untouched! As tempting as it is to start cutting away those old stems, mums have a better chance of surviving the winter if pruning is delayed until spring. When warm weather reappears, clear mulch from the base of the plant to allow for new growth to sprout.

Now that you have all the tips, it's time to get your hands dirty! Mums can add a burst of color to fall porch decor or be a delightful addition to an already established garden. Don't have the right pot for your new autumn plant? Not to worry- we have a variety of pots to choose from, as well as a repotting service, for all of your plant needs!

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