How to Grow Mums in your fall garden

September 30, 2023

Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and for good reason. They are known for their beautiful blooms, which come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Mums are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. Mums are a popular plant to decorate with in the fall months.

Types of chrysanthemums

There are over 4,000 different varieties of chrysanthemums. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and lavender. Chrysanthemums can also be single-headed or multi-headed, and they can have daisy-like blooms or pompom-like blooms.

How to grow Mums

Choose a location. Mums need full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained.
Prepare the soil. If the soil is not well-drained, amend it with compost or sand. Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant the mums. Plant the mums in the spring or early summer, when the weather is cool. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart.
Water regularly. Mums need about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply and less often to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilize regularly. Fertilize the mums every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Pinch the mums. Pinching the mums will encourage them to branch and produce more flowers. Pinch the tips of the stems when the plants are 6-8 inches tall.
Protect the mums from frost. In the fall, when the temperatures start to drop, protect the mums from frost by covering them with a sheet or burlap.

If you live in a cold garden zone and you want Mums to survive in your garden you either need to plant them early in the spring or overwinter them indoors until spring. Mums need time to really establish in ground.

Read 23 Perennials for fall color here!

Fall Mum Tips

Choose the right variety for your climate. There are many different varieties of mums, so choose one that is suited to your climate.
Water the mums deeply and less often. This will help prevent the roots from rotting.
Fertilize the mums regularly. This will help them produce more flowers.
Pinch the mums regularly. This will encourage them to branch and produce more flowers.
Protect the mums from frost. This will help them survive the winter.

Forget Me Nots

Place the potted mums in a spot that gets full sun for at least 6 hours per day.
Water the potted outdoor mums regularly, making sure to water the soil thoroughly and not just the leaves.
Fertilize the potted mums every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Bring the potted mums indoors if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water the potted mums less often indoors, but still make sure the soil does not dry out completely.

Chrysanthemums are beautiful and versatile flowers that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With proper care, chrysanthemums will bloom for many weeks to come.

Happy Gardening!

Want To Learn More?

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST

The Thrifted Planter

Ciearra is a gardener and houseplant enthusiast of over 10 years! She has been growing indoors and outdoors. Supplying food for her family and beautifying her home with annuals, perennials and houseplants! Ciearra is passionate about sharing her knowledge of plant care with anyone who needs help or a quick plant growth tip! When she’s not blogging you can find her tending to her chickens, dogs and hanging out with her family

Learn More!