Mum plants, also known as chrysanthemums, are vibrant and popular flowers that brighten up gardens and homes alike. With their wide range of colors and shapes, they are a favorite choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Proper care is essential to ensure their blooms remain healthy and beautiful throughout the growing season. This guide will provide you with practical tips and techniques for how to take care of mum plants.
Types of Mums
There are many varieties of mums, each with unique characteristics that make them stand out. The two primary categories are hardy mums and florist mums. Hardy mums, also known as garden mums, are perennial varieties that can withstand colder climates and return year after year with proper care. Florist mums, on the other hand, are usually grown for indoor arrangements or short-term decorative purposes, as they are less resilient to outdoor conditions.
Beyond these categories, mums are classified based on their flower forms, such as decorative, pompon, spider, anemone, and single-flowered types. Decorative mums feature full, lush blooms that are perfect for garden borders, while pompons are smaller, ball-shaped flowers that add a playful touch to any arrangement. Spider mums have long, narrow petals that create an exotic and spiky appearance. Anemone mums are distinguished by their central cushion-like florets surrounded by outer petals, and single-flowered mums resemble daisies with a simple yet elegant form.
With such a range of types to choose from, gardeners can mix and match varieties to create stunning displays suited to their personal style and climate conditions.
When and Where to Plant Mums
Mums thrive best when planted in the early spring, giving their roots ample time to establish before blooming in the fall. However, many gardeners choose to plant potted mums in late summer or early fall for an instant splash of color in their gardens. For optimal growth, select a site that receives full sun, as mums need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter provides the ideal foundation for these vibrant plants. Avoid overly wet or shaded areas, as mums can struggle to thrive in such conditions. By choosing the right time and location, gardeners can enjoy healthy, long-lasting blooms year after year.
10 Methods How to Take Care of Mum Plants
1. Choose the Right Type of Mum: Garden vs. Florist
When purchasing mums, it’s crucial to understand the difference between “garden mums” and “florist mums.” Garden mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are hardy perennials that can survive winter in many climates when properly planted and mulched. Florist mums, on the other hand, are bred for showy blooms and indoor display, and they typically lack the hardiness to survive outdoors long-term.
If you’re hoping to enjoy mums year after year, always select hardy garden mums from a reputable nursery. Their root systems are better suited for in-ground planting and seasonal changes, making them the ideal candidate for perennial growth.
2. Plant Mums Early in the Season for Root Establishment
Timing is everything when planting mums. Although they’re widely available in late summer and early fall, the best time to plant garden mums is in the spring or early summer. This gives the roots ample time to become established before the stresses of winter arrive.
When planted too late in the fall, mums may not develop a strong enough root system to survive the frost, resulting in winter kill. If fall planting is your only option, treat them as annuals or overwinter them in pots indoors. Spring-planted mums offer the best chance at robust blooms and perennial success.
3. Provide Full Sunlight for Optimal Blooming
Mums are sun-loving plants that thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sun daily. Without adequate light, mums can become leggy and produce fewer blooms, which undermines their visual appeal. In areas with hot afternoon sun, partial shade may help prevent bloom fade, but full sunlight is best overall.
When grown indoors or in shaded areas, you may notice the plant’s growth becoming weak or sparse, and flower buds may fail to form. To maximize flowering potential, plant mums where they can soak up plenty of sunshine throughout the growing season.
4. Water Consistently but Avoid Overwatering
Watering mums requires a delicate balance. While they prefer moist soil, overly soggy conditions can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Newly planted mums need frequent watering—perhaps every one to two days—until they are well-established. Mature mums should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle flow to saturate the root zone without flooding the plant. Avoid overhead watering to minimize moisture on the leaves, which can invite mildew or blight. Maintaining even soil moisture is key to healthy growth and abundant blooms.
5. Mulch Generously to Retain Moisture and Regulate Temperature
Applying mulch around the base of your mum plants offers several benefits: it helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or pine needles are ideal. Spread a 2–3 inch layer around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile it directly against the stems.
In colder climates, mulch becomes even more critical during winter, insulating the roots and increasing the chance of survival. Mulch can also prevent dramatic temperature swings in early spring that might trick the plant into growing prematurely.
6. Pinch Back Early Growth to Encourage Bushier Plants
Pinching is a classic gardener’s trick to get mums to branch out and produce more flowers. Starting in late spring, when the plant reaches about 6 inches tall, pinch off the top 1–2 inches of new growth. This encourages the plant to develop side shoots, making it bushier and better equipped to support more blooms.
Continue this pinching every few weeks until mid-July, after which the plant should be allowed to develop flower buds naturally. Avoid pinching too late in the season, as this may delay blooming or result in fewer flowers.
7. Fertilize Monthly During the Growing Season
Though mums are not heavy feeders, they benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) once a month starting in the spring. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer, as this can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers or make the plant more vulnerable to winter damage.
Over-fertilization can also lead to leggy growth, so be sure to follow label instructions carefully. With the right nutrient balance, your mums will reward you with fuller foliage and vibrant blooms that persist into autumn.
8. Deadhead Spent Flowers to Prolong Bloom Time
Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, is a vital maintenance step that keeps your mums looking their best and encourages continuous blooming. Use clean garden shears or pinch the dead blooms off by hand, cutting back just below the flower head. This prevents the plant from channeling energy into seed production and stimulates the growth of new flower buds.
Regular deadheading not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your mums but also promotes a longer blooming period, especially important if you rely on them for seasonal color in your landscape or porch displays.
9. Divide Mature Plants Every Few Years
As mums mature, their root systems can become dense and overcrowded, reducing vigor and flowering potential. Every 2–3 years, divide the plant in early spring when new growth emerges. Carefully dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife or garden spade to separate it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. Replant the divisions promptly in well-prepared soil, and water thoroughly. This rejuvenation process not only gives you more plants but also refreshes the growth cycle of older specimens, keeping them healthy and productive.
10. Protect Mums in Winter with Proper Care and Mulching
Even hardy mums can suffer during harsh winters if not properly protected. After the first frost, do not cut back the foliage. Instead, allow it to die back naturally, which helps insulate the crown. Then, apply a heavy layer of mulch—4–6 inches of straw or leaves—over the entire root zone. In regions with particularly cold winters, covering the entire plant with a frost blanket or overturned flower pot can add another layer of protection. Come spring, remove the mulch gradually as temperatures warm. Proper winter care significantly increases the likelihood of seeing your mums return year after year.
Conclusion
Taking care of mum plants involves thoughtful planning, consistent attention, and seasonal adjustments. From choosing the right variety and planting it at the appropriate time to watering, pruning, and overwintering, every step plays a role in cultivating lush, colorful blooms. These ten methods provide a comprehensive approach to chrysanthemum care, ensuring that your plants will brighten up your home or garden with dazzling flowers season after season. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to take care of mum plants! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
