Your Ultimate Guide for Garden Mum Care
FOR IRRESISTIBLE FALL BLOOMS
Nothing says fall quite like a porch filled with vibrant garden mums. With their bold colors, lush blooms, and welcoming presence, mums are the ultimate autumn staple.
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your mums looking fresh and fabulous all season long.
Choosing the Right Mums
When shopping for garden mums, look for plants that are full and bushy with plenty of buds—not just open flowers. More buds mean a longer bloom cycle, so you’ll enjoy color for weeks instead of days.
Tip: Decide between florist mums (for short-term décor indoors) and hardy garden mums (ideal for outdoor longevity and potential overwintering).
The Perfect Spot
Mums love the sun! They thrive best with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun with a bit of afternoon shade is ideal—especially if you’re in a hotter climate.
This balance keeps blooms vibrant while preventing plants from drying out too quickly.
Watering Made Easy
One of the biggest mistakes with mums? Underwatering. Mums have dense root systems and dry out fast.
- Best practice: Water at the base, not over the blooms. Wet flowers can lead to mold and disease.
- Bottom watering: Place pots in a shallow tub of water for about 30 minutes. This allows roots to soak up exactly what they need while encouraging deep, strong growth.
- Check daily: Use the “finger test.” If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Feeding for Full Blooms
Mums in pots appreciate a little boost. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks will keep the flowers fuller for longer. Avoid overfertilizing though, as too much can lead to lots of green growth and fewer blooms.
Extending Bloom Time
Here’s how to keep your mums looking fresh:
- Deadhead spent flowers: Snip off faded blooms to encourage new ones.
- Rotate pots: If one side is getting more sun, turn them so the plant grows evenly.
- Protect from frost: If you’re expecting an early cold snap, cover plants or bring containers closer to the house for shelter.
Overwintering Mums
Want to keep your mums beyond fall? Hardy mums can survive the winter with a little help.
- Plant them in the ground before it freezes so roots can establish.
- Mulch heavily around the base once the ground cools.
- Don’t cut them back until spring—old foliage helps insulate.
Not all mums will make it through harsh winters, but with luck and care, you’ll see them again next year.
Decorating with Mums
Beyond the basics, mums are perfect for seasonal decorating. Pair them with pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, and rustic baskets for a picture-perfect autumn porch. Mix colors—like deep burgundy, golden yellow, and soft white—for a layered, cozy look.
Quick Care Checklist
- Choose full plants with tight buds
- Give 6+ hours of sun
- Water daily at the base (or bottom-water)
- Deadhead regularly for fresh blooms
- Protect from frost for longer life
TIME TO GO MUM PICKING!
With the right care, your mums can last well into the season—bringing cozy, colorful fall vibes to your home and garden.
