Chrysanthemums, affectionately known as mums, are the quintessential fall flower.
But how do you keep these beauties blooming throughout the season and ensure they return year after year?
Choosing the Right Mums
The first step in your mum-growing journey is selecting the right plants. Not all mums are created equal, and choosing the right variety can make a significant difference in their longevity and blooming period.
Garden mums vs. florist mums
Garden mums are your best bet for long-lasting outdoor plants. Unlike florist mums, which are bred for temporary indoor displays, garden mums are hardier and better suited for outdoor conditions.
Hardiness zones & perennial varieties
To ensure your mums come back year after year, choose varieties that are perennial in your hardiness zone. Most garden mums are hardy in zones 5-9, but some varieties can withstand colder climates.
When shopping for mums, look for plants with tight buds rather than those in full bloom. This ensures you’ll enjoy the full blooming cycle at home.
Some of the best chrysanthemum cultivars for long-lasting blooms include ‘Clara Curtis’, ‘Sheffield Pink’, and ‘Ryan’s Pink’.
Planting for Success
Proper planting is crucial for healthy, blooming mums. The ideal planting time is in spring, giving the plants ample time to establish strong roots before the blooming season.
- Location and soil preparation: Choose a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Mums thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage.
- Spacing and planting depth: Space your mums about 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery containers, and water thoroughly after planting.
Whether you’re planting in-ground or in containers, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. For container planting, use a high-quality potting mix and pots with drainage holes.
Watering & Fertilizing
Proper watering and fertilizing are key to keeping your mums blooming throughout the fall.
- Watering techniques: Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Mums prefer consistent moisture but can’t tolerate waterlogged soil.
- Fertilizing schedule: Feed your mums with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing about a month before the first expected frost to prepare the plants for winter.
Pruning & Pinching
Regular pruning and pinching are essential for bushy, bloom-filled mums.
- Pinching new growth: Start pinching back new growth when plants reach 6 inches tall. Pinch off the top inch of each stem to encourage branching. Continue this process until mid-July for fall-blooming mums.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering. This process, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy into producing new buds.
Late-season pruning is crucial for next year’s growth. After the first frost, cut back the stems to about 6-8 inches above the ground. This helps the plant conserve energy for winter survival.
Sunlight & Temperature Requirements
Mums are sun-loving plants that require specific light and temperature conditions to thrive.
- Optimal sun exposure: Provide your mums with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
- Managing heat stress: While mums love sun, they can suffer in extreme heat. During hot spells, provide some afternoon shade and increase watering frequency.
- Protecting from early frosts: Cover your mums with breathable fabric when early frosts threaten. This protection can extend their blooming period well into the fall.
Extending Bloom Time
To enjoy mums throughout the fall season, try these techniques:
- Staggered bloom times: Plant varieties with different bloom times to extend the overall flowering period in your garden.
- Shade cloth technique: Use shade cloth to delay blooming in some of your mums. This can push their flowering time later into the fall.
- Light exposure management: Mums are photoperiodic (ref), meaning they bloom in response to shorter day lengths. You can manipulate this by covering plants with dark cloth for 14 hours each night to induce earlier blooming.
Year-Round Care for Perennial Mums
For mums that return year after year, follow these seasonal care tips:
- Spring: Divide overcrowded mums every 3-4 years in early spring. This rejuvenates the plants and promotes better blooming.
- Summer: Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Pinch back growth until mid-July to encourage bushiness.
- Fall: Enjoy the blooms! Continue deadheading and watering as needed.
- Winter: After the first hard frost, cut back stems and apply a layer of mulch for winter protection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best care, mums can sometimes face challenges.
Here’s how to address common problems:
- Leggy growth: This is often due to insufficient light or overcrowding. Move plants to a sunnier location and ensure proper spacing.
- Yellowing leaves: This could indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pest problems. Adjust your watering schedule, fertilize if needed, and check for pests.
- Bud drop: Stress from drought, extreme temperatures, or dramatic light changes can cause bud drop. Maintain consistent care and protect plants from extreme conditions.
Through thoroughly following these guidelines, you can enjoy a spectacular display of mums throughout the fall season and for years to come.
The key to success lies in choosing the right varieties, providing proper care, and addressing issues promptly. With a little patience and attention, your mums will reward you with a dazzling autumn show year after year.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.