How to Keep Mums Alive

Mums, also known as Chrysanthemums, are iconic fall flowers that bring vibrant color to gardens and landscapes as the summer months fade. While they are popular and relatively easy to grow, many gardeners face challenges keeping these beautiful blooms alive and flourishing throughout the season and beyond. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced green thumb, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep mums alive and thriving, ensuring they remain a stunning focal point in your garden.

Choosing the Right Mums for Your Garden

A. Perennial vs. Annual Mums

Before you start planting mums, it’s crucial to understand the difference between perennial and annual varieties. Perennial mums are the types that can survive winter and come back year after year, whereas annual mums are designed to bloom once and won’t survive the colder months. When purchasing mums, look for perennial varieties if you want long-lasting plants that will return each fall.

Look for labels that identify the plant as a “hardy mum,” which signifies its perennial nature. Hardy mums have stronger root systems and are better equipped to survive cold winters. If you’re looking to have vibrant blooms for multiple seasons, perennial mums are the way to go.

B. Choosing the Right Location

Mums need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so selecting the right spot in your garden is essential. They require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too little sunlight can cause mums to grow leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Make sure you plant mums in well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Mums don’t tolerate standing water, so avoid low-lying areas where water collects. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage if needed.

Planting Mums: When and How

A. The Best Time to Plant Mums

For perennial mums, planting in the spring gives the plants time to establish a robust root system before the cold weather hits. When planted in the spring, perennial mums have a higher survival rate through winter. They also have time to develop into larger, fuller plants, which leads to more abundant blooms in the fall.

If you’re planting mums in the fall, it’s best to do so 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. This allows enough time for the plants to acclimate and root themselves before cold temperatures arrive. However, fall-planted mums often struggle to survive through winter, as they don’t have the same root development as spring-planted mums.

B. Spacing and Planting Techniques

When planting mums, spacing is crucial to ensure they have enough room to grow. Space mums 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease.

To plant mums:

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering Mums: Striking the Right Balance

Mums need consistent moisture, but overwatering can be detrimental to their health. The key is to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil.

A. How Often to Water

After planting, mums should be watered deeply and regularly. In the first few weeks, water mums 2-3 times per week to encourage strong root growth. Once established, you can reduce the watering frequency to once per week or as needed, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, mums may require more frequent watering to prevent them from drying out.

The best time to water mums is in the morning, which gives the leaves time to dry throughout the day and reduces the risk of fungal infections.

B. Mulching for Moisture Retention

Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your mums can help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch also protects the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations, which is particularly important in fall when temperatures can vary significantly.

Use organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or bark, and make sure to keep the mulch away from the stems to avoid rot.

Fertilizing Mums for Optimal Growth

Fertilizing mums properly can enhance their growth and lead to more abundant blooms. However, over-fertilization can result in lush, green foliage with fewer flowers, so balance is essential.

A. When to Fertilize Mums

If you’re planting mums in the spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting. A 10-10-10 fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) works well. Fertilize again in early summer to promote healthy growth and strong blooms.

For fall-planted mums, use a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting. Avoid over-fertilizing late in the season, as this can encourage new growth that is more vulnerable to cold weather.

B. Natural Alternatives to Chemical Fertilizers

Composting and adding organic matter to the soil can provide mums with the nutrients they need without the risk of over-fertilizing. Compost tea or diluted fish emulsion are great natural alternatives for feeding mums throughout the growing season.

Pruning and Deadheading for Fuller Blooms

Pruning and deadheading are essential for keeping mums compact and promoting fuller, bushier plants with more blooms.

A. Pinching Mums

To keep your mums from becoming leggy, pinch back the tips of new growth when the plant is about 6-8 inches tall. This encourages the plant to branch out and grow more side shoots, resulting in more flowers. Continue pinching until mid-July to ensure a compact plant with a more controlled shape.

B. Deadheading

Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages mums to produce more blooms and extends their flowering period. Regularly deadhead your mums by cutting off faded or dead flowers at the stem. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also redirects energy towards producing new buds.

Overwintering Mums: Helping Them Survive the Cold

The biggest challenge for many gardeners is ensuring that mums survive the winter and return the following year. Overwintering mums requires some preparation and care.

A. Preparing Mums for Winter

If you planted your mums in the spring, they will have had enough time to develop strong roots, giving them a better chance of surviving the winter. In late fall, after the first frost, cut back the mums’ stems to about 4-6 inches above the ground. Leaving a bit of the stem helps protect the crown of the plant.

Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 4 inches) over the plant to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. You can use straw, leaves, or evergreen boughs as mulch. This will help prevent the soil from freezing and thawing, which can damage the roots.

B. Container Mums: Bringing Them Indoors

If you grow mums in containers, they can be brought indoors before the first frost. Place them in a cool, dark place, such as a garage or basement, and water them sparingly throughout the winter. In spring, gradually reintroduce them to sunlight and warmer temperatures, and begin watering them more regularly.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

While mums are relatively low-maintenance, they can face a few issues. Knowing how to identify and solve these problems will help keep your plants healthy.

A. Pests

Aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars are common pests that can affect mums. Inspect your plants regularly, and if you notice an infestation, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or use neem oil as a natural remedy.

B. Diseases

Mums are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation around the plants by spacing them adequately.

If you notice diseased leaves, remove and discard them to prevent the spread of infection.

Conclusion

Keeping mums alive and healthy requires a bit of planning, care, and attention to detail. By choosing the right varieties, providing the proper care, and preparing them for winter, you can enjoy the beauty of these stunning fall flowers year after year. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to growing mums that not only survive but thrive, filling your garden with vibrant color throughout the autumn season.