Fall mums are classic fall flowers that can be used for Fall decoration or planted in the garden as hardy perennials.
To keep garden mums (chrysanthemums) looking full and colorful all season, think of three main needs: water, sun, and deadheading.
Bonus Tips
- Place mums where they’ll get 6+ hours of sunlight daily.
- Mums have shallow roots and dry out quickly so consistent moisture is key. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce risk of mildew — water at the base.
- If in containers, check moisture daily; potted mums often need water more often than garden-planted ones.
- Well-draining soil is essential. Soggy soil = root rot.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to encourage fresh growth and extended blooms.
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly (this is important!). Snip off faded flowers just above a set of healthy leaves. This encourages new buds instead of seed formation.
- TIP: If you buy mums in bud, they’ll naturally bloom longer than those already in full flower.
- Containers: Mums dry out faster, so monitor water closely. Consider repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh potting soil if roots in the original container are crowded.
- In-ground: Plant mums 1 inch deeper than they were in their pot. Add a 3–4 inch mulch layer to help conserve moisture and keep soil temperature even. Pinch off dead blooms but wait to prune old stems until Spring.
- Deer don't like mums in general, but use a deer repellant like Liquid Fence or Deer Out if you don't want to risk it.
Bonus Tips
- Rotate pots weekly if mums are on a porch or patio so they grow evenly.
- Protect from strong winds and heavy rain that can topple or damage blooms.
- If you want them to overwinter, plant them in the ground early enough (at least 4-6 weeks before frost) so roots establish. Even better, buy and plant mums in Spring for a gorgeous display of color in Fall. Otherwise, enjoy them only as seasonal color.