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Chrysanthemums, “Mums,” may be a staple of fall decorating, but they don’t always behave the way we expect. Some seasons, they thrive. Other times, they fade long before fall is over.
If you’ve experienced the same disappointment, you’re not alone. Mums can be surprisingly finicky, but once you understand what not to do, they’re much easier to grow and enjoy all season long.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid so your mums stay healthy and vibrant for as long as possible.
1. Don’t Buy Fully Bloomed Mums
It’s tempting to choose the most colorful pot on the shelf, but mums already in full bloom are near the end of their show. For the longest-lasting color, choose plants packed with tight, unopened buds. They’ll open gradually at home, giving you a much longer display.
2. Don’t Water Mums from Above
Overhead
3. Don’t Plant Mums Late in Fall
Planting too close to frost gives roots very little time to establish, which is why many mums fail to return the following year. Early fall planting is best, and if you want reliable perennial blooms, spring planting offers the strongest start.
4. Pick the Right Type of Mum
There’s a big difference between hardy “garden mums” and florist mums. Florist mums are meant for short-term color and rarely survive winter. Hardy mums, on the other hand, are bred for the garden and typically grow well in zones 5–9.
Choose the type that matches your climate and your expectations.
5. Look for Plants with Tight Buds
When browsing the garden center, focus on mums with small, tight buds rather than those with open flowers. Dense buds guarantee a longer bloom window. Just make sure the pots are labeled with the color or variety you prefer so you know what you’re bringing home.
6. Pinch Throughout the Season
Hardy mums grow fuller and produce more blooms when pinched back. Once stems reach about 8 inches tall, pinch off the top growth to encourage branching. Repeat this once in spring and again around early July. This helps create a compact, sturdy plant loaded with flower buds later in the season.
7. Pay Attention to Sunlight
Mums perform best in full sun and generally need at least six hours of direct light daily. Container mums used purely for decor can handle a bit of afternoon shade, especially if they’re already in bloom, since too much sun can cause flowers to brown faster.
8. Keep Them Watered
Consistent moisture is key for healthy mums. In the garden, they need about an inch of water per week. Potted mums dry out even faster, especially when root-bound, so check them often. Once buds start opening, avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
9. Deadhead Regularly
Removing spent blooms keeps mums looking neat and encourages new flowers. Snip off faded blossoms with your fingers or garden snips. This either triggers new blooms or reveals smaller buds hidden beneath larger flowers.
10. Protect the Roots
Mums have shallow roots that are sensitive to temperature swings. A layer of mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or bark, helps insulate the soil and protects those roots from cold weather. Add mulch when planting and again after blooming if you live in a colder climate.
