9 Tips to Keep Your Mums Blooming Beautifully Throughout Fall

When I first started gardening, I didn’t think too much about chrysanthemums—better known as mums. I just thought they were those plants everyone put out in the fall, and that was it. But over the years, I’ve learned to love them along with a few tricks to keep them blooming well into the season. Even if you’re not planning on keeping mums blooming longer, some of these suggestions might surprise you and make you want to give it a go!

Choosing the Right Mums

First things first, let’s talk about the types of mums you can buy. Not all mums are created equal. There are garden mums and florist mums. Florist mums are what you see in decorative pots and indoor arrangements, but they’re not meant for longevity. If you want mums that last, go for hardy garden mums. When you’re picking them out, look for strong stems, lots of buds that haven’t opened yet, and healthy, green leaves. That way, you’ll get more blooms for longer.

Planting Mums Properly

I’ve found that where and how you plant your mums makes a big difference. Mums love the sun, so plant them where they can soak up at least six hours of sunlight each day. Also, they prefer well-draining soil—soggy roots are a no-go. When planting, give them a little space; they need room for good air circulation. If they’re too crowded, they can easily get mildew or fungus, which will shorten their blooming time.

Regular Deadheading

This is a big one that some folks overlook. Deadheading—removing the spent flowers—is essential if you want to keep those mums blooming. The plant puts energy into producing seeds if the spent blooms are left on, rather than creating more flowers. So, if you see a flower that’s starting to fade, just pinch it off with your fingers or use some small pruning shears. Doing this regularly will encourage the plant to produce more buds and extend the blooming period.

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Watering Wisely

Now, mums aren’t fans of being too dry, but overwatering them is just as bad. I usually give mine a good drink when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You don’t want them sitting in water, especially if they’re in pots. A tip for you: water in the morning. It gives the plant time to soak it up before the sun gets too intense or temperatures drop in the evening.

Fertilizing for More Blooms

If you’re looking for even more blooms, a bit of feeding goes a long way. I like to use a balanced fertilizer or a light compost tea. Feed them when you first plant them and then maybe once more midway through the growing season. But don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can lead to a lot of green leaves and not many flowers. Trust me, I learned that the hard way!

Pinching for Fuller Plants

This might be a new one for you, but I swear by it. In the summer, when your mums start to get a bit leggy, try pinching back the tips of the stems. Just a light pinch will do. This encourages the plant to grow bushier, which means more stems and more flowers come fall. If you’re worried about cutting off potential blooms, don’t be. Mums respond well to this kind of care, and the result is a much fuller plant with a spectacular display.

Protecting from Frost

When fall really sets in, those frosty nights can put an end to your blooms pretty quickly. What I do is keep an eye on the weather forecast. If I know frost is coming, I throw a light frost cloth or some burlap over my mums at night. This little bit of protection can sometimes buy you a few extra weeks of color. If your mums are in pots, even better—just bring them inside or to a sheltered spot overnight.

Managing Pests and Diseases

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a perfectly good mum plant get wiped out by a few pesky bugs or some mildew. Keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites; they love mums. A simple spray of soapy water usually does the trick. As for diseases like powdery mildew, good airflow is key. Water at the base, not from overhead, and make sure your plants aren’t too crowded.

Bringing Mums Indoors

If you’re really committed to keeping those mums around, you can always bring potted mums indoors once it gets too cold outside. Keep them in a sunny spot, and water them sparingly—just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. You might be surprised how long they can last! And come spring, you can transition them back outside for another round of blooms.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A few simple tricks can go a long way in keeping your mums looking their best all season long. Even if you weren’t planning on extending their bloom time, maybe you’ll be inspired to try just one or two of these tips. After all, a little extra effort can bring a lot of joy to your garden!

Give these a try and let me know how it goes. And hey, if you come up with any new tricks of your own, I’d love to hear about them!