If you want the ultimate fall vibes, line your porch with big, bushy mums. They are super bright and cheerful for this time of year. They come in an assortment of colors, including reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks.
Mums don’t grow or survive naturally on their own. To make sure they thrive well beyond Halloween and possibly even make a reappearance next year, it’s important to give them a little extra love. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your mums happy and healthy.
Mums were originally used as culinary herbs in China. These flowers were also a large part of Japanese culture. Eventually, they made their way to Europe and the United States sometime in the 17th century.
New hybrids cropped up as mums traveled to different parts of the world. Today, there are 40 species and 13 classes of mums.
The best time to plant mums is in the spring to give them time to develop a strong root system. This way, they will have a better chance at surviving the winter and reblooming the following year.
They need ample space and air circulation, so place each plant about 18 to 36 inches apart. They have shallow roots, so don’t plant them too deep.
Plant them about an inch deeper than they were in the nursery pot. If you’re planting in a pot, choose one with a drainage hole. Remove any dry or dead foliage to encourage fuller growth.
Sunlight
Mums like lots of light. In general, they require at least six hours of full sun a day. When they don’t receive enough direct sunlight, they will become tall and leggy, failing to produce an abundance of flowers. If your mums are in containers, you can move them to sunnier spots throughout the day.
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Water
Newly planted mums should be watered thoroughly. Never let them wilt or sit in drenched soil. Once they’re established, give them about an inch of water per week. Water more often when the bottom leaves start to turn brown or limp. Dry soil and shriveled florets are also signs of dehydration. Avoid getting the foliage itself wet, as that can make the plants more susceptible to fungal infections or other diseases.
Soil
Mums thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Add balanced fertilizer once a month to provide garden mums with extra nutrients. If the soil does not drain properly, add compost and mix it into the soil about eight to 12 inches deep.
How to Winterize Mums
After the first hard frost, prepare mums for winter by mulching with straw or shredded hardwood around the plants. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems. Instead, leave an inch or two of bare ground around the base of the plants to prevent mid-winter rot. If your mums survive the winter, you’ll see new growth around the base of the plants in early spring. When the weather warms, remove the mulch and prune any old, dead growth.
By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
