How to Grow and Care for Mums (Chrysanthemums) That Bloom Every Fall

How to Grow Mums

Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are one of the most beloved flowers of the fall season. Their vibrant blooms bring bold color to gardens, porches, patios, and entryways just as many summer flowers begin to fade. Available in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, white, and bronze, mums are a favorite for adding long-lasting beauty to autumn landscapes.

One of the reasons mums are so popular is that they’re easy to grow and care for. Whether you’re planting hardy garden mums in your flower beds or decorating your porch with colorful potted mums, these cheerful plants can thrive with the right growing conditions. Even beginner gardeners can enjoy healthy plants and beautiful blooms by following a few simple care tips.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing mums, including how to choose the right variety, when to plant, watering and fertilizing tips, how to encourage more blooms, overwintering techniques, and how to keep your chrysanthemums looking their best year after year.

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Chrysanthemum Quick Care Chart

Care	Recommendation
Botanical Name	Chrysanthemum spp.
Common Name	Mum, Chrysanthemum
Plant Type	Perennial (garden mums)
Sun	6+ hours of full sun
Soil	Well-draining
Water	Keep evenly moist
Bloom Time	Late summer through fall
Height	1–3 feet
USDA Zones	5–9 (variety dependent)

Types of Chrysanthemums

With thousands of varieties available, chrysanthemums offer something for every garden style. In fact, there are more than 4,000 cultivated varieties of mums, ranging from compact plants perfect for containers to larger garden varieties that make a stunning addition to flower beds and borders.

Mums come in a beautiful array of colors, including:

• White
• Yellow
• Orange
• Red
• Pink
• Purple
• Lavender
• Bronze
• Bi-colored varieties

Their flowers are just as diverse as their colors. Depending on the variety, blooms can be small and daisy-like, full and pompom-shaped, spider-like with long, narrow petals, decorative with layered petals, or cushion-shaped with hundreds of tightly packed flowers.

You’ll also find two main types of mums:

• Garden mums (hardy mums): These are the best choice for landscape beds and borders. When planted in the spring or early fall and given proper care, hardy mums can return year after year in many growing zones.
• Florist mums: These are commonly sold as potted gift plants and seasonal decorations. While they’re beautiful indoors or on the porch, florist mums are generally less cold-hardy and are often grown as annuals in colder climates.

With so many colors, bloom shapes, and sizes to choose from, chrysanthemums are an easy way to brighten your garden and create a spectacular fall display.

Garden Mums vs. Florist Mums: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered why some mums come back every year while others don’t survive the winter, you’re not alone. One of the biggest misconceptions about chrysanthemums is that all mums are the same. In reality, there are two main types: garden mums and florist mums.

While both produce beautiful fall blooms, they are bred for different purposes and have different levels of cold hardiness.

Feature	Garden Mums (Hardy Mums)	Florist Mums
Best For	Flower beds, borders, and landscapes	Indoor décor, gifts, and seasonal containers
Cold Hardiness	Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 (variety dependent)	Less cold-hardy and often treated as annuals
Returns Each Year?	Yes, when planted early enough to establish roots and properly cared for	Usually no in colder climates
Root System	Strong, deep root system designed for outdoor growing	Shallower root system designed for short-term display
Bloom Time	Late summer through fall	Primarily sold in fall when already in bloom
Best Planting Time	Spring or early fall	Best enjoyed as a seasonal decorative plant

Garden Mums

Garden mums, also called hardy mums, are the best choice if you want chrysanthemums that can return year after year. They are bred to tolerate colder temperatures and develop stronger root systems than florist mums.

For the best chance of overwintering, plant hardy mums in the spring or early fall. This gives them enough time to establish roots before freezing temperatures arrive. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day and has well-draining soil.

Florist Mums

Florist mums are the colorful potted plants you’ll often see at grocery stores, garden centers, and home improvement stores in late summer and fall. They are grown to produce an abundance of blooms for seasonal decorating and are perfect for brightening porches, patios, and entryways.

Although you can try planting florist mums in the garden, they are less likely to survive winter, especially in colder climates. If you purchase them late in the season while they’re in full bloom, they usually don’t have enough time to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes.

Which Type Should You Choose?

If your goal is to enjoy mums year after year, choose garden mums and plant them as early as possible in the growing season. If you’re looking for instant fall color to decorate your home or porch, florist mums are an excellent choice.

In my Zone 6 Ohio garden, I treat florist mums as beautiful seasonal decorations, while I plant hardy garden mums in my flower beds where they have the best chance of returning each spring. Planting them early, watering them consistently, and adding a layer of mulch before winter has given me the best success with overwintering.

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How to Grow Mums

Growing healthy, long-lasting mums is easier than you might think. Whether you’re planting them in flower beds, raised beds, or decorative containers, giving your chrysanthemums the right growing conditions will reward you with weeks of vibrant blooms each fall. The key is to provide plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and a little routine maintenance throughout the growing season.

Follow these simple steps to help your mums thrive.

1. Choose the Right Location

Mums perform best in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sunlight they receive, the fuller the plant will become and the more flowers it will produce.

If planted in too much shade, mums may become leggy, produce fewer blooms, and be more susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew.

When selecting a planting location, look for an area that offers:

• At least 6 hours of direct sunlight
• Good air circulation
• Well-draining soil
• Protection from strong winds if possible

2. Plant at the Right Time

Although mums are most commonly sold in the fall, spring is actually the best time to plant hardy garden mums if you want them to return year after year.

Planting in spring gives the roots several months to become established before winter arrives. If you purchase mums in the fall, try to plant them as early as possible so they have the best chance of surviving the winter.

3. Prepare the Soil

Healthy soil is one of the biggest factors in growing beautiful chrysanthemums.

Mums prefer soil that is:

• Rich in organic matter
• Well-draining
• Slightly acidic to neutral (around pH 6.0–7.0)

Before planting, mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and provide nutrients. If your soil is heavy clay, adding compost can also help prevent water from sitting around the roots.

4. Plant at the Proper Depth

Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container the mum came in.

Place the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Planting too deeply can lead to crown rot and poor growth.

Backfill with soil, gently firm it around the roots, and water thoroughly after planting.

If you’re planting multiple mums, space them 18 to 24 inches apart to allow plenty of room for mature growth and good air circulation.

5. Water Consistently

Mums prefer evenly moist soil, especially during their first growing season.

Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil begins to dry out. It’s better to water thoroughly once or twice a week than to give plants frequent shallow watering.

Container-grown mums usually need water more often than plants growing in the ground because pots dry out faster.

Whenever possible:

• Water at the base of the plant.
• Avoid wetting the foliage.
• Water in the morning so leaves have time to dry.

6. Fertilize for Healthy Growth

Mums benefit from regular feeding during the active growing season.

A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring and early summer encourages healthy foliage and strong stems. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season because they can encourage leafy growth instead of flowers.

Once flower buds begin to develop in late summer, it’s generally best to stop fertilizing and allow the plant to focus on blooming.

7. Pinch Back the Stems

One of the best ways to grow fuller, bushier mums is by pinching back the growing tips throughout spring and early summer.

Once plants reach about 6 inches tall, pinch off the top inch of new growth just above a set of leaves.

Continue pinching every few weeks until mid-July.

This simple technique encourages branching, resulting in a compact plant covered in flowers instead of a tall, floppy one.

8. Deadhead Spent Blooms

As flowers begin to fade, remove the spent blooms by snipping them just above the next set of healthy leaves.

Deadheading helps:

• Keep plants looking tidy
• Encourage additional blooms
• Prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production

Continue removing faded flowers throughout the blooming season for the best display.

9. Prepare Mums for Winter

If you’re growing hardy garden mums, proper winter care can improve their chances of returning the following year.

After the first hard frost:

• Leave the stems standing through winter.
• Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base after the ground freezes.
• Water during dry fall weather until the soil freezes.

Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back the old stems. They provide a little extra insulation for the plant crown during cold weather.

A Tip From My Garden

In my Zone 6 Ohio garden, I’ve found that the biggest secret to growing healthy mums is planting them early rather than waiting until they’re already blooming in the fall. Spring-planted mums develop much stronger root systems, produce larger plants, and have a much better chance of surviving winter. I also make sure they receive plenty of sunshine, consistent watering, and regular pinching through mid-summer, which results in fuller plants covered in colorful blooms each autumn.

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How to Prune Mums

Pruning is one of the best ways to keep chrysanthemums healthy, compact, and covered in flowers. While mums don’t require a lot of maintenance, a little pruning throughout the growing season can make a big difference in the number of blooms your plants produce and their overall appearance.

There are three main types of pruning you’ll do with mums: pinching, deadheading, and cutting them back for winter.

Pinch Back Mums for Bushier Plants

If you’ve ever admired a mum that’s completely covered in flowers, chances are it was pinched back throughout the growing season.

Pinching removes the tips of young stems, encouraging the plant to produce multiple new branches instead of one tall stem. More branches mean more flower buds and a fuller, more compact plant.

Here’s how to pinch back mums:

1. Wait until new growth reaches about 6 inches tall in spring.
2. Use your fingers or clean pruners to remove the top 1 to 2 inches of each stem.
3. Pinch just above a set of healthy leaves.
4. Continue pinching every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July.

After mid-July, stop pinching so your mums have plenty of time to develop flower buds for their fall bloom.

Deadhead Spent Flowers

As blooms begin to fade, remove the old flowers to keep the plant looking neat and encourage it to put energy into producing more blooms instead of seeds.

To deadhead:

• Cut the flower stem back to the first set of healthy leaves or a side shoot.
• Remove any yellow or damaged foliage while you’re pruning.
• Continue deadheading throughout the blooming season.

Although deadheading won’t make every variety rebloom indefinitely, it helps extend the flowering display and keeps your plants looking their best.

Cut Back Mums After Frost

Once a hard frost has blackened the foliage, you may be tempted to cut the entire plant back immediately. However, if you’re growing hardy garden mums, it’s often better to wait until late winter or early spring before removing the old stems.

Leaving the stems in place through winter can:

• Help protect the crown from freezing temperatures.
• Catch insulating snow around the plant.
• Provide a little shelter for overwintering insects.
• Make it easier to locate dormant plants in spring.

When new growth begins to appear in late winter or early spring, cut the old stems back to about 2 to 3 inches above the ground.

Should You Cut Back Potted Mums?

If you’re growing mums in containers for seasonal fall color, you can remove spent blooms as they fade to keep the plant looking fresh. If you plan to overwinter hardy mums in their containers, wait until spring to cut back the dead stems, just as you would with garden-planted mums.

Keep in mind that mums growing in containers are more exposed to freezing temperatures than those planted in the ground. In colder climates, move containers to a protected location or insulate the pots to help the roots survive winter.

Common Mum Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pruning mistakes to keep your mums healthy and blooming beautifully:

• Pinching too late: Stop pinching by mid-July, or you may remove developing flower buds.
• Cutting back too early in fall: Wait until the foliage has been damaged by frost or, even better, leave stems until late winter or early spring.
• Removing too much growth at once: Heavy pruning during the growing season can reduce flowering.
• Using dull or dirty pruners: Clean, sharp tools make cleaner cuts and help reduce the spread of disease.

A Tip From My Garden

In my garden, I pinch my hardy mums several times between late spring and mid-July. It only takes a few minutes, but the difference is incredible. Instead of growing tall and floppy, my plants stay compact and reward me with dozens of colorful blooms in the fall. I also leave the old stems standing through winter and cut them back in early spring, which has given me much better success with overwintering my garden mums.

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Read 23 Perennials for fall color here!

Month to Month Mum Care

Month	What to Do
March	Divide established plants
April	Plant new mums
May	Fertilize
June	Pinch stems
July	Continue pinching until mid-July
August	Stop pinching
September	Enjoy blooms
October	Water regularly
November	Mulch after hard frost
Winter	Leave stems for protection

How to Overwinter Mums

If you’re hoping your mums will return next year, proper winter care is essential. Whether your chrysanthemums survive the winter depends on several factors, including the variety you planted, your growing zone, and how well the plants were established before cold weather arrived.

Hardy garden mums have the best chance of returning year after year, especially when they’re planted in the spring or early fall. Florist mums, on the other hand, are typically grown as seasonal plants and are much less likely to survive winter in colder climates.

With a little preparation, you can improve your hardy mums’ chances of coming back with beautiful blooms the following fall.

Plant Early for the Best Results

One of the biggest factors in successfully overwintering mums is giving them enough time to establish a strong root system before freezing temperatures arrive.

For the best results:

• Plant hardy mums in the spring whenever possible.
• If planting in fall, do so at least 6–8 weeks before your area’s first expected frost.
• Water regularly while the plants establish.

Mums planted late in the fall often struggle to survive because their roots haven’t had enough time to grow before the ground freezes.

Leave the Stems Standing

Although it may be tempting to cut your mums back after they’ve finished blooming, it’s better to leave the stems and foliage in place until late winter or early spring.

The old stems help:

• Insulate the plant crown.
• Catch snow, which acts as a natural blanket.
• Protect new buds at the base of the plant.
• Provide winter habitat for beneficial insects.

Once new growth begins to emerge in spring, simply cut away the old stems.

Mulch After the Ground Freezes

Adding mulch is one of the easiest ways to protect mums from repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles during winter.

Wait until the ground has frozen before applying 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of the plant.

Good mulch options include:

• Shredded leaves
• Straw
• Pine needles
• Bark mulch

Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems, as excess moisture can encourage rot.

Water Before the Ground Freezes

Even though your mums are entering dormancy, they still need moisture while establishing roots.

Continue watering during dry periods in the fall until the ground freezes. Well-hydrated plants are generally better able to withstand winter stress than plants that enter winter dry.

Once the soil freezes, regular watering is no longer necessary.

Protect Container-Grown Mums

Mums growing in containers are more vulnerable to winter damage because their roots are exposed to colder temperatures than plants growing in the ground.

If you want to overwinter potted hardy mums, consider:

• Moving containers into an unheated garage or shed after dormancy.
• Grouping pots together in a sheltered location.
• Wrapping containers with burlap or insulating material.
• Burying the pot in the ground for added root protection if space allows.

Remember that containers dry out faster than garden beds, so check the soil occasionally during mild winter weather if your plants are stored in a protected location.

When to Remove Winter Protection

As temperatures begin warming in late winter or early spring:

• Remove excess mulch gradually.
• Cut back old stems to about 2–3 inches above the soil.
• Watch for fresh green shoots emerging from the crown.
• Resume regular watering as new growth appears.

Avoid removing mulch too early if freezing temperatures are still expected, as new growth can be damaged by late frosts.

Can Florist Mums Be Overwintered?

Florist mums are generally treated as annuals because they are bred for indoor displays and seasonal decorations rather than long-term garden performance.

If you choose to plant a florist mum outdoors, it may survive in milder climates, but success is less predictable than with hardy garden mums. Many gardeners simply enjoy florist mums for their spectacular fall blooms and replace them the following season.

A Tip From My Garden

In my Ohio garden, I’ve had the best success overwintering hardy mums that were planted in the spring. After the first hard frost, I leave the stems standing and apply a layer of mulch once the ground has cooled. By waiting until early spring to clean up the plants, I’ve found they come back stronger and produce even more blooms the following fall.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Mums

Whether you’re planting mums in your garden or decorating your porch with colorful containers, it’s natural to have questions about how to keep these beautiful fall flowers healthy. Here are answers to some of the most common questions gardeners ask about growing and caring for chrysanthemums.

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Are mums annuals or perennials?

It depends on the type of mum you purchase. Garden mums (hardy mums) are perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 and can return year after year with proper care. Florist mums are typically grown as annuals because they are less cold-hardy and are bred primarily for seasonal displays.

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When is the best time to plant mums?

The best time to plant hardy garden mums is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This gives the plants several months to establish strong roots before winter.

While mums are most commonly sold in the fall, planting them early in the season greatly improves their chances of surviving the winter.

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How much sunlight do mums need?

Mums grow best in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants grown in too much shade often become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

If you live in a very hot climate, mums may appreciate some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day.

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How often should I water mums?

Mums prefer consistently moist but well-draining soil. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

Container-grown mums usually need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground because pots dry out more quickly.

Avoid letting the soil become completely dry, especially while plants are establishing or blooming.

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Why aren’t my mums blooming?

There are several reasons mums may produce few or no flowers, including:

• Too much shade
• Pinching too late in the season
• Overfertilizing with nitrogen
• Inconsistent watering
• Plant stress from drought or poor soil

Providing full sun, stopping pinching by mid-July, and maintaining even soil moisture will encourage abundant blooms.

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Should I deadhead mums?

Yes! Deadheading spent flowers helps keep mums looking neat and encourages the plant to direct its energy toward producing more blooms instead of seeds.

Simply remove faded flowers by cutting the stem back to the next set of healthy leaves.

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When should I cut back mums?

If you’re growing hardy garden mums, it’s generally best to leave the old stems standing through winter. They provide extra insulation for the plant crown and may offer shelter for beneficial insects.

Cut the old stems back to about 2–3 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

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Do mums come back every year?

Hardy garden mums can return every year when planted early enough to establish strong roots and provided with proper winter protection.

Florist mums are much less likely to survive winter and are usually treated as seasonal plants.

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Can you grow mums in containers?

Absolutely! Mums grow beautifully in containers, making them a popular choice for porches, patios, balconies, and entryways.

Choose a pot with drainage holes, use a high-quality potting mix, and water regularly since container plants dry out faster than those growing in garden beds.

If you want to overwinter hardy mums in containers, move the pots to a protected location or insulate them during winter.

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What is the best fertilizer for mums?

Mums benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the spring and early summer when they are actively growing.

Avoid fertilizing once flower buds begin to develop in late summer, as this can encourage leafy growth instead of blooms.

Adding compost each year is another excellent way to improve soil health and provide long-term nutrients.

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Are mums deer resistant?

Mums are often considered deer resistant, but they are not completely deer proof. If food is scarce, deer and rabbits may still browse the foliage or flowers.

Using deer-resistant companion plants or temporary fencing can help protect your mums if wildlife is a problem in your area.

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Can I divide mums?

Yes! Dividing hardy mums every 2–3 years helps keep plants healthy, prevents overcrowding, and encourages more vigorous growth.

The best time to divide mums is in early spring when new shoots begin to emerge.

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How long do mums bloom?

Most mums bloom for four to eight weeks, depending on the variety, weather conditions, and care they receive.

Regular watering, deadheading, and plenty of sunlight can help extend the blooming season and keep your plants looking their best.will bloom for many weeks to come.

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My Final Thoughts on Growing Mums

Mums are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow, bringing vibrant color and life to your garden just as many other plants begin to fade for the season. With the right growing conditions, a little routine care, and proper winter preparation, hardy garden mums can reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

The secret to growing healthy chrysanthemums is simple: plant them in a sunny location, provide well-draining soil, water consistently, and pinch them back through early summer to encourage full, bushy growth. If you’re hoping your mums will return next season, planting them in the spring and protecting them through the winter will give them the best chance of long-term success.

In my Zone 6 Ohio garden, I’ve found that mums are much more than just a seasonal decoration. They’re one of my favorite ways to extend the gardening season and add bright color to my flower beds and containers when summer blooms begin to fade. With a little planning and care, they become a reliable part of my fall garden every year.

Whether you’re planting your first chrysanthemum or adding more varieties to your landscape, growing mums is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of the fall season. I hope this guide has given you the confidence to grow healthy, colorful mums that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Happy gardening!

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