Autumn is fading fast and your garden display could wither in days if you do not act now. Many gardeners watch their beautiful fall flowers turn brown because they miss critical care steps during the first week of planting. Learning how to take care of mums is the difference between a garden that glows and one that looks neglected. These plants are tough but they have specific needs for water and light that cannot be ignored. This guide covers everything from soil selection to winter protection so your porch remains the envy of the neighborhood. We will look at potting techniques and outdoor planting strategies to ensure your flowers thrive until the snow falls.
Choosing the Right Variety for Success
Before you start planting you must understand that not all flowers in this family are the same. You will often see florist varieties and garden varieties at the store. Florist versions are meant for indoor use and usually lack the root system to survive a cold winter. Garden varieties are much hardier and produce more underground runners.
If you want a display that returns every year you should look for labels that specify perennial or garden types. These plants produce thousands of blooms that can handle a light frost. Most people buy them when they are already in full bloom. This is great for instant color but it means the plant is already spending its energy on flowers rather than roots.
Experts suggest buying plants that have plenty of tight buds instead of open flowers. This gives you several extra weeks of color as the buds slowly open at home. A plant with only open flowers is already at the end of its life cycle. Pick a plant with healthy green leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
Essential Steps on how to take care of mums
The secret to a long life for these plants is consistency. You cannot water them once and forget about them for a week. They have shallow root systems that dry out very quickly. When you learn how to take care of mums you will find that moisture management is your primary job.
Sunlight is the next most important factor for health. These plants are sun worshippers and require at least six hours of direct light. Without enough sun the stems become leggy and the flowers will be sparse. If you place them in a shaded corner they will stretch toward the light and likely fall over.
Proper drainage is also vital for success. These plants hate having wet feet. If the soil stays soggy the roots will rot and the plant will die within days. Use a high quality potting mix if you are using containers. If you are planting in the ground make sure the soil is loose and airy.
How to take care of mums in a pot
Many homeowners prefer using containers to decorate their front steps. Knowing how to take care of mums in a pot begins with the size of the container. Most plants are sold in plastic pots that are far too small for their root mass. The roots become bound and cannot soak up water effectively.
You should move your new purchase into a larger pot immediately. Use a container that is at least two inches wider than the original. Fill the extra space with fresh potting soil that contains perlite for drainage. This extra soil acts as a reservoir for water and keeps the roots cool during warm afternoons.
When considering how to take care of mums in pots you must check the soil daily. Stick your finger an inch into the dirt. If it feels dry you need to water until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom. Never let the plant wilt as this stresses the flower buds and causes them to drop early.
How to take care of mums outside
Planting directly in the garden provides the best chance for long term survival. Learning how to take care of mums outside involves choosing a permanent home. Avoid low spots in the yard where water gathers after a storm. Mums need a location with excellent airflow to prevent mildew on the leaves.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. If you plant them too deep the stems might rot at the base. Space your plants about 18 inches apart to give them room to breathe. Crowded plants often suffer from fungal issues because moisture gets trapped between the leaves.
Rich soil is helpful but avoid over fertilizing in late autumn. You want the plant to focus on its current flowers and root strength. Adding too much nitrogen late in the season can spark new growth that gets killed by the frost. Focus on consistent hydration instead of heavy feeding during the blooming phase.
How to take care of mums outdoors through the season
As the temperatures drop you must adjust your routine. Understanding how to take care of mums outdoors means watching the weather report closely. If a hard freeze is coming you can protect your plants with a light frost blanket or an old bedsheet. This can extend your blooming season by several weeks.
Mulching is a key part of outdoor maintenance. A two inch layer of straw or wood chips helps keep the soil temperature steady. This prevents the ground from heaving during freeze and thaw cycles. Heaving can push the roots out of the ground and expose them to deadly cold air.
Do not cut the dead stems back until the following spring. The old foliage provides a natural layer of protection for the crown of the plant. Research shows that plants left standing over winter have a much higher survival rate than those trimmed in the fall. Wait until you see new green growth at the base in spring before you prune.
Watering Techniques for Maximum Blooms
Watering from the bottom is the best way to keep your plants healthy. Avoid splashing water onto the leaves and flowers. Wet foliage is an invitation for bacteria and fungus to grow. Use a watering can with a long spout to reach the soil directly under the branches.
Morning is the ideal time for hydration. This allows the plant to drink before the sun reaches its peak. If you water at night the soil stays damp and cool for too long which can lead to root issues. During particularly hot weeks you may need to water twice a day for potted varieties.
If your plant does wilt do not panic. Give it a deep soak immediately. Some gardeners submerge the entire pot in a bucket of water for twenty minutes to ensure the root ball is fully saturated. This often revives a drooping plant within an hour.
Deadheading and Pruning Tips
Removing old flowers is a simple task that makes a big impact. This process tells the plant to stop making seeds and keep producing color. Pinch off the dead flower heads just above the first set of leaves. This keeps the plant looking fresh and prevents a messy appearance.
If you are growing these as perennials you will need to prune them in the summer. To get that classic round shape you should pinch the tips of the stems back every few weeks until July. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier. After the Fourth of July stop pinching so the plant can develop its flower buds for the fall.
Consistency with pruning leads to a much stronger plant. Stems that are not pinched often become too heavy and split open in the middle. A compact and dense plant is much better at resisting wind and heavy rain during autumn storms.
FAQs
Can mums survive the winter in pots?
It is very difficult for them to survive winter in a pot because the roots are not insulated by the ground. If you want to keep them you should plant them in the garden before the first hard frost.
Why are the leaves on my plant turning yellow?
Yellow leaves usually mean the plant is getting too much water or the soil does not drain well. Check the drainage holes in your pot and ensure the soil is not sitting in a puddle of water.
How much sun do these flowers really need?
They need full sun to perform their best. Aim for at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. If they are in the shade they will produce fewer flowers and the colors will be duller.
When is the best time to plant them in the ground?
The best time is actually in the spring so the roots have an entire growing season to get established. However you can plant them in the fall if you do it at least six weeks before the ground freezes.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of these classic fall flowers does not have to be a mystery. If you provide plenty of sunlight and keep the soil moist your garden will look incredible all season. Make sure to buy plants with lots of buds and give them plenty of space to grow. Whether you keep them in containers or plant them in your flower beds these tips will help them stay healthy. Follow these simple steps and you will enjoy beautiful colors until the very end of the year.
