Mums (Chrysanthemums) are a popular fall flower that bring vibrant color to gardens when most other plants are fading. To get the best blooms, it’s essential to understand their care needs, from planting and watering to pruning and overwintering. This guide will walk you through the key steps to grow healthy, thriving mums year after year.
1. Choosing the Right Type of Mums
Not all mums are created equal! There are two main types: garden mums (also known as hardy mums) and florist mums. Garden mums are perennials and can survive Cleveland winters if properly cared for. Florist mums, on the other hand, are bred for temporary indoor display and usually won’t survive outdoors.
Tip: Always opt for hardy garden mums if you want them to come back year after year. Check plant labels to ensure you’re getting a perennial variety.
2. Planting Mums: When and How
The best time to plant mums is in the early fall or late summer, giving the plants time to establish roots before winter. Spring is also an excellent time to plant, as it gives mums a full growing season to develop.
- Location: Mums love full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Too much shade can result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
- Soil: Mums prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
- Spacing: Space mums about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for airflow and prevent disease. Crowded plants are more likely to suffer from mildew and other fungal issues.
Tip: Plant mums deep enough to cover the root ball but avoid burying the stems. Water thoroughly after planting to help them settle in.
3. Watering Mums: Keep the Soil Moist
Mums need consistent moisture, especially when establishing new roots. Water them deeply at least once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Watering frequency: Mums prefer moist, but not waterlogged soil. Mulching around the base of the plants will help retain moisture while also regulating the soil temperature.
- Watering method: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases, especially in cooler, damp fall weather.
Tip: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
4. Fertilizing Mums for Bigger Blooms
For lush, healthy mums, you’ll need to fertilize regularly. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring and early summer is ideal. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth but result in fewer flowers.
- Early growth: In spring, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) to encourage strong root and stem development.
- Before bloom: As fall approaches, switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer rich in phosphorus, which promotes flower production.
Tip: Stop fertilizing by late summer to allow the plant to focus on blooming rather than growing.
5. Pinching and Pruning for Fuller Plants
Mums benefit from a bit of TLC in the form of pinching and pruning. This helps promote bushier growth and more flowers come fall.
- Pinching: Starting in late spring, pinch back the growing tips of your mums every 2-3 weeks until early July. Simply remove 1-2 inches from each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce more flowers.
- Pruning: If your mums start to get leggy or too tall, trim them back by about one-third. Pruning will make the plants sturdier and prevent them from flopping over when they bloom.
Tip: Avoid pruning after mid-July to ensure the buds have time to form for fall flowering.
6. Dealing with Common Pests and Diseases
Mums are generally low-maintenance, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases if not properly cared for. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners, which can damage foliage and reduce bloom production.
- Aphids and mites: These can often be controlled with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to knock them off the plants.
- Fungal diseases: Powdery mildew and rust are common problems in humid conditions. To prevent these issues, ensure good airflow between plants and avoid overhead watering. Applying a fungicide in early summer can also help prevent fungal infections.
Tip: Keep garden debris cleaned up, as pests and diseases often overwinter in plant material left on the ground.
7. Overwintering Mums: Preparing for Cleveland Winters
If you want your mums to survive the winter and return next year, you’ll need to take a few steps to protect them from the cold.
- Leave foliage intact: After the first frost, leave the foliage on the plant. The dead leaves act as a natural insulation for the crown.
- Mulch heavily: Add a thick layer (4-6 inches) of mulch around the base of the plants after the ground freezes. This helps protect the roots from freezing and thawing cycles that can heave plants out of the ground.
- Cut back in spring: In early spring, once new growth begins, cut back the dead stems from the previous year to allow space for fresh growth.
Tip: In especially harsh winters, consider covering your mums with a breathable garden cloth or burlap for extra protection.
8. Reviving and Dividing Older Mums
Mums can get overcrowded after a few years, leading to weaker growth and fewer blooms. Every 2-3 years, divide your mums in spring to rejuvenate them.
- How to divide: Dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, each with several shoots and healthy roots. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart.
- Revival: Water thoroughly after transplanting and add some compost or slow-release fertilizer to give the divided mums a boost.
Tip: Dividing mums not only helps them thrive but also allows you to spread more mums around your garden or share with friends.
