Mums, or chrysanthemums, are the undisputed royalty of the fall garden. Their vibrant blooms appear when many other plants fade, offering a stunning display of color that signals the end of summer. These cheerful flowers come in an almost endless array of shapes, from tight buttons to shaggy pom-poms, and colors ranging from pristine whites to deep, moody purples. Providing proper care for mums plants ensures they not only survive but thrive, rewarding you with a spectacular autumn show.
Selecting the Right Mums for Your Space
The journey to successful mum care begins long before they hit your garden. It starts at the nursery or garden center with a conscious choice. You will typically find two main types: garden hardy mums and decorative mums. Garden hardy varieties are bred specifically for outdoor planting and are generally more resilient to cold temperatures, often surviving winter in the ground in many climates. Decorative mums, while stunning, are often less cold-tolerant and are better suited for pots that can be brought indoors before the first frost.
Understanding Growth Habits
When choosing, look for plants that are compact and bushy rather than tall and leggy. A healthy mum will have deep green foliage and buds that are just starting to open, which promises a longer bloom time. Avoid plants that look wilted or have yellowing leaves, as these are signs of stress. The goal is to select a specimen that is just beginning its display, ensuring you get the maximum enjoyment from your investment.
Planting for Optimal Health
Once you have selected your perfect plant, proper planting is the foundation of care for mums plants. They require a sunny location, receiving a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade can prevent the flowers from scorching. The soil must be well-draining; soggy soil is a leading cause of root rot in these plants. Amend the native soil with compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Gently loosen the roots if they are tightly bound in the pot.
Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Watering and Feeding Practices
Consistent moisture is key to vibrant mum blooms, but it is a delicate balance. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is generally better to water at the base of the plant rather than from overhead, as wet foliage can encourage disease. During the peak blooming season, a weekly deep watering is usually sufficient, though this will vary based on climate and rainfall.
Nutritional Support
Feeding your mums is essential for robust growth and prolific flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks. Look for a formula with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 10-10-10 blend). Early in the season, you can use a fertilizer slightly higher in nitrogen to promote lush green growth. As buds begin to form, switch to a fertilizer with more phosphorus to encourage better blooms.
Pruning and Pinching Techniques
To achieve the full, bushy shape that is characteristic of healthy mums, pruning is non-negotiable. Pinching back the stems encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in more flower heads rather than one large, leggy bloom. Start pinching when the plant is about 6 inches tall by removing the top inch of growth. Repeat this process every few weeks until mid-July. After this point, you should stop pinching to allow the plant to focus its energy on flower development rather than stem growth.
