Chrysanthemums, which people call “mums,” are some of the most popular flowers used for autumn. These plants can add a charm and warmth to any garden, patio, or indoor area due to their bright red, yellow, orange, pink, and white blooms. Still, many plant enthusiasts want to know how long mums last. Well, their longevity depends on various factors like the type of mum, care it receives, and its growing conditions. This article explores mums’ lifespan and provides practical advice for maximizing their longevity, so you can extend their beauty as long as possible.

How Long Do Mums Last?

The lifespan of a mum depends on whether it grows as an annual or perennial.

1. Potted Mums (Annuals)

When sold by garden centers in the fall, most mums are grown as annuals. Those are often sold in pots, blooming at their peak and intended to provide seasonal color. In normal conditions, potted mums last for around 4 to 6 weeks before the blooms begin to fade. However, you can extend their bloom time up to another week or two under proper care.

2. Garden Mums (Perennials)

The perennial hardy mums are perennial types of plants that can stay for multiple seasons if properly planted and cared for. Although the flowers also last approximately 4 to 6 weeks, the plant lives for many years. Mums often flower in late summer or early fall, but after the flowers have finished blooming, the foliage is healthy until frost.

Factors That Influence Mums Lifespan

Here are factors to determine how long your mums will last:

1. Species: There are a range of chrysanthemum species, and these tend to bloom at different times. Early-blooming mums may last longer throughout the season than later varieties.

2. Climate: Chrysanthemums prefer cool climates. Extreme heat or frosts can shorten their longevity.
Planting Time: Mums planted in spring will grow deeper roots and last longer than those planted in late fall.

How to Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last Longer

Whether you’re working with potted mums, cut flowers, or garden mums, there are several strategies you can use to prolong their beauty. Here’s how:

1. Choose Healthy Mums

When buying mums, choose plants with small, tightly closed buds instead of full blooming flowers. Buds will open gradually and provide plenty of enjoyment as the blooms are available longer. Choose healthy foliage without yellowing or any signs of pests or disease.

2. Give Right Light

Mums love light! Place them in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re keeping potted mums indoors, position them near a bright, sunny window. For outdoor mums, ensure they’re planted in a spot with ample sunlight, which promotes healthy blooms.

3. Water Consistently

Mums like moist, but not soggy, soil. Root rot results from overwatering while underwatering causes the plant to dry out and the bloom to drop prematurely. Water only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Provide adequate drainage for potted mums to prevent water pooling at the bottom.

4. Deadhead Frequently

Deadheading, or the removal of dead flowers, makes mums refocus their energy on flower production instead of seed-setting. Cut back spent blooms using clean scissors or your fingers. Your mum will reward you with prolonged flowering.

5. Pinch Back for Bushier Growth

For garden mums, pinch the stems back during the growing season. That usually occurs late spring or early summer, which causes the plant to grow bushier and produces more blooms. By mid-July, stop pinching to allow buds to form for fall flowering.

6. Extreme Weather Protection

Chrysanthemums are sensitive to extreme temperatures. For hot weather, provide shade in the peak heat of the day. In cold climates, mulch your garden mums with straw or leaves for insulation during winter.

7. Fertilize for Optimal Health

For garden mums, fertilize in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer that will support strong growth and rich blooms. Never fertilize in late fall because the new growth may emerge too close to winter for it to survive.

8. Transplant Potted Mums

When the potted mums seem crowded, repot them into a slightly larger container with new potting soil. This provides additional space for root growth and exposure to fresh nutrients, and the plant will thrive for longer.

9. Cut Mums as Cut Flowers

Mums are also perfect as cut flowers for arrangements. Tips on making cut mums last longer:

1. Harvest when the blooms are fully hydrated, during the morning.
2. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the stems at an angle.
3. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline in the vase.
4. Place the stems in a vase filled with fresh water and floral preservative.
5. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.

10. Encourage Overwintering for Garden Mums

If you want your garden mums to last for years, proper overwintering is the key. After the first frost, cut the stems back to about 4 inches above the ground. Mulch heavily around the base to protect the roots. In the spring, remove the mulch to allow new growth to emerge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planting Too Late: When planted too late in fall, it does not allow garden mums sufficient time to develop the roots before winter, thus they are not likely to survive.
2. Overwatering: As much as mums require regular moisture, overwatering may lead to fungal diseases.
3. Too Much Pruning at Fall: Cutting back mums too much in fall is likely to expose them to frost damage.
4. Ignore Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and other pests can weaken mums and reduce their bloom time. Regularly inspect your plants and treat infestations promptly.

Conclusion

Mum can really add beauty to any type of garden or home but also fades with time if not maintained in the right way. Whereas most potted mums remain bouncy for 4-6 weeks, garden mums can bloom year after year with the right care and maintenance. By choosing fresh mums, giving them suitable growth conditions, and following all the above tips, chrysanthemum flowers may bring much beauty and color for the longest time possible.

Whether you’re cultivating mums as annuals for seasonal charm or perennials for long-term enjoyment, these resilient blooms are sure to brighten your space and leave a lasting impression.