Chrysanthemums, affectionately referred to as mums, are classic fall flowers adding pops of color and life in a landscape at the change of the seasons. With their beauty blooms and colors, it’s no wonder why mums find their place in fall landscapes, container gardens, and indoor decor. While flowers don’t require much to stay healthy, proper care is necessary to ensure year-long dazzling displays. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, this will take you through how to grow and care for your mums exactly.

Understanding Mums: A Brief Introduction

Native to Asia and Northeastern Europe, Chrysanthemums have been grown for thousands of years. There are many shapes, ranging from daisy-like single flowered plants and pompoms to many vibrant shades of the colors: yellow, red, orange, pink, purple, white, or even two-colored varieties.

The chrysanthemum plant is divided into two major categories – garden mums and florist mums.

Garden mums are hardy perennials that do great in the outdoors and can handle frost if cared for appropriately.

Florist mums are bred to be enjoyed indoors and do not have the hardiness to survive cold weather.

Choosing the Best Mums for Your Garden

When selecting mums, think about your local climate, garden layout, and intended use. Hardy garden mums are great for outdoor planting, while florist mums brighten up indoor spaces. Pay attention to bloom time as well; some mums flower earlier in the season, while others peak later in fall.

Some popular varieties include:

1. Cushion Mums: Compact with a dense, mounded shape.
2. Spider Mums: Unique, elongated petals that resemble spider legs.
3. Pompom Mums: Completely round blooms with layers of petals.
4. Daisy Mums: Basic, cheerful blooms with a large center disk.
5. Planting Mums: Laying the Groundwork for Success

1. Timing Is Everything

Plant mums in the spring or early summer if you want them to grow strong roots and come back year after year. While many gardeners tend to plant mums during the fall, their roots still have not matured and most of them would not be able to make it during the winter months.

2. Location

Mums do best in full sun. Plant in at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots that cause rot.

3. Soil Preparation

Prepare the soil to make it rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is perfect for 6.0 to 7.0. Mix in compost or aged manure to make it fertile and drain easily.

4. Spacing and Planting

Space mums 18 to 24 inches apart in order to allow for proper airflow and space to grow. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball, place your plant, backfill with soil, and finally water adequately after planting.

Care for Mums all Seasons

1. Watering

Mums love consistent moisture but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly and often. Ensure the soil is moist at all times, but more closely observe during dry weather to reduce stress.

2. Fertilizing

Feed using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at spring and early summer, which will make the buds grow lush. Do not feed after midsummer. This will stress the flower production.

3. Pruning and Pinching

Pinch back new growth throughout the spring and early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Simply remove about an inch of new shoots when they’re 6 to 8 inches tall. Stop pinching in late July to allow buds to form for fall blooms.

4. Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Add an additional layer in the fall to insulate the mums over winter.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Watch for more common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. For infestations, try insecticidal soap or neem oil. Preventing fungal diseases is done with good air circulation, watering from below, and any diseased foliage removed in a hurry.

Preparing Mums for Winter

Hardy mums can survive winter with proper preparation. After the first hard frost, cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches tall. Apply a thick layer of mulch or straw to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid disturbing the plants until spring, as dead foliage provides extra insulation.

Propagating Mums

If you’d like to expand your mum collection, propagation is an easy and rewarding process:

Division: Mature mum plants are divided every two to three years in early spring by digging up the plant, separating the root ball into smaller sections, and replanting in prepared soil.

Cuttings: Take cuttings of 4 to 6 inches off of healthy, non-flowering stems during spring or summer months. Remove the lower leaves, place the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist potting soil, keeping it in a warm, bright location until roots form.

Putting Mums in Your Yard

Mums are versatile and can be used in many different ways to add beauty to your garden:

1. Borders: Plant mums along pathways or in garden beds for a pop of color and structure.
2. Containers: Combine mums with ornamental grasses, trailing vines, or pumpkins for a festive fall display.
3. Mass Plantings: Make a big statement by planting large clumps of mums in complementary colors.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1. Leggy Growth: If the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight or doesn’t get pinched, it can become leggy.
2. No Blooms: Over-fertilizing can impede flowering, as well as delayed pruning.
3. Yellowing of the Leaves: This is probably caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency.

Benefits to Growing Mums

Growing mums is a beautiful way to enjoy the seasons. With bright colors and long blooming seasons, they are any gardener’s delight, yet easy care makes them a garden treasure that everyone can have. With proper planting, maintenance, and winter preparation, your mums will pay you back year by year with spectacular blooms.

Let’s enjoy mums and transform our garden into a masterpiece of autumn beauty!