Mum Care: How to Keep Your Fall Mums Looking Their Best
Few things say fall like a pot of colorful mums! Whether you’re decorating your front porch, brightening up your patio, or adding seasonal color to your garden beds, a little extra care can help your mums look their best throughout the season.
Give Them Plenty of Sun
Mums bloom best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a sunny spot on your porch or plant them in a bright garden bed. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Don’t Forget to Water
Mums can dry out quickly, especially when growing in containers. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, give your mums a thorough watering.
Water at the base of the plant and make sure excess water can drain away. Mums like consistently moist soil, but soggy roots can cause problems. As temperatures cool and rainfall increases, adjust your watering routine accordingly.
Keep Blooms Looking Fresh
Remove faded flowers and damaged leaves to keep your mums looking tidy. When shopping for mums, look for healthy green foliage, sturdy stems, and plenty of unopened buds so you can enjoy the flowers as they continue to bloom.
Can Mums Come Back Next Year?
Yes! Many garden mums can return year after year in North Carolina, although fall-bought plants aren’t guaranteed to survive winter. For the best chance of success, plant them in a sunny, well-drained garden bed early enough for their roots to establish before cold weather. Add a layer of mulch to help protect the roots, and leave the old stems in place through winter. Cut back dead growth in spring when new growth appears.
Your Mum Care Checklist
- Provide at least six hours of sunlight
- Check soil moisture regularly
- Water thoroughly when the soil is dry
- Make sure containers drain properly
- Remove faded blooms and damaged leaves
- Mulch garden-planted mums for winter protection
With the right sunlight, watering, and drainage, your mums can keep your fall displays full of color. Stop by For Garden’s Sake in Durham to find your favorite fall shades and get help choosing plants for your porch, patio, or garden.
Happy Gardening!
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