The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Mums
Are you a fan of the vibrant beauty that chrysanthemums bring to your fall garden? Do you find yourself wondering how long mums last and when they bloom? If so, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about caring for mums and ensuring they bloom for weeks on end in vivid colors that perfectly complement your autumn decor.
Meet the Expert
Before we jump into the specifics of mums, let’s introduce you to our expert, Rebecca Sears. As the CMO & Resident Green Thumb at Ferry-Morse, a renowned seed company established in 1856, Rebecca knows all there is to know about growing and caring for plants. According to Rebecca, “Mums are a must for fall gardens, as their flowers bloom in a variety of autumnal hues that can perfectly complement your seasonal decor.”
How Long Do Mums Last?
Mums typically last for four to eight weeks once they begin blooming. However, with the right care and attention, you can extend their lifespan towards the higher end of that range. The key to maximizing the duration of bloom is to select a variety that aligns with your desired timing for fall color. Some mums start blooming as early as late July, while others wait until the end of September. By choosing the right variety, you can ensure a prolonged period of colorful blooms in your garden.
- Mums will last for four to eight weeks once they start blooming
4 Ways to Make Mums Last Longer
While mums are generally low-maintenance plants, a little extra care can go a long way in keeping them vibrant and blooming throughout the fall season. Here are four essential tips to help you make your mums last longer:
Buy Mums With Lots of Buds
When selecting mums, opt for plants that have plenty of tight buds that are yet to bloom. While it may be tempting to choose a plant with fully opened flowers, selecting one at the beginning of its bloom cycle ensures you get to enjoy the full show of its colorful display.
Give Mums Full Sunlight
Mums thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce an abundance of blooms. However, if you live in a hot climate, consider providing indirect sunlight to prevent your mums from drying out and getting scorched.
Water Mums Frequently
To keep your mums healthy and blooming, ensure they receive one to two inches of water per week once established. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to disease. Look out for signs such as limp or brown leaves, indicating that your mums need more water.
Deadhead Mums Regularly
Remove old blooms, wilted flowers, brown leaves, and dead stems from your mums regularly. By deadheading, you allow the plant to redirect its energy towards producing fresh blooms, ensuring a continuous display of vibrant colors.
The Best Time to Plant Mums
According to Rebecca Sears, it’s best to wait until the hottest summer temperatures have passed before planting mums. These plants thrive in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and bloom most effectively in cooler weather. For optimal results, wait until mid- to late-September to plant your mums. If you have potted mums, consider bringing them indoors on warmer days to protect them from excessive heat.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Mums?
Rebecca Sears recommends the striking Bonnie Red mums for a classic fall appearance and the flamboyant Flamingo Pineapple Pink mums for a trendy touch. Other popular varieties include Tiger Tail, Ruby Mound, Regal Mist Purple, Overture, Jolly Cheryl, Chiffon, and Cheryl Pink. By deadheading spent blooms, removing wilted leaves, and watering mums every other day, you can ensure these varieties bloom abundantly throughout their season.
In conclusion, caring for mums and ensuring they last for weeks on end is not as challenging as it seems. With the right knowledge and attention to detail, you can enjoy a spectacular display of colorful blooms in your fall garden. So, go ahead, plant those mums, follow our expert tips, and watch your garden come alive with vibrant hues that celebrate the beauty of autumn.
