There’s nothing like the burst of color that mums bring to your porch or garden in the fall. Whether you picked them up to brighten your entryway or to fill out your flower beds, taking proper care of your mums will help them stay vibrant longer, and even come back next year if you treat them right.
Here’s how to keep those beautiful blooms looking their best all season.
1. Give Them the Right Amount of Sun
Mums love sunlight. If yours are in pots, place them where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Too much shade can cause the flowers to fade quickly or make the plant look leggy. In garden beds, pick a sunny spot that stays bright most of the day.
2. Keep the Soil Moist, Not Soggy
Consistent watering is key. Mums like damp (but not soaked) soil. Check them daily, especially if they’re in containers that dry out faster. A good rule of thumb: if the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do, water at the base of the plant instead of overhead to prevent mildew on the leaves.
PRO TIP – Add a few inches of water to an empty bucket, then place the mum planter in the bucket so the roots can soak up the water!
3. Deadhead Spent Blooms
Removing dead or faded flowers encourages your mums to keep producing new blooms. Simply pinch off the brown or wilted flowers with your fingers or use small pruning shears. This keeps the plant neat and extends the blooming period.
4. Protect Them from Frost
If you want your mums to last deep into the fall, watch the weather. A light frost can damage the blooms, so move potted mums to a sheltered spot like a porch or garage overnight if frost is in the forecast.
5. Want Them Back Next Year? Here’s How…
Many homeowners treat mums as annuals, but with a little care, they can come back next year. Once the flowers fade and the cold sets in, don’t cut the plant back right away. Instead, leave the stems and foliage in place to protect the roots through winter.
Add a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate it. In spring, trim back the dead stems when you see new growth.
6. Feed for Future Growth
If you’re overwintering your mums, give them a dose of balanced plant food in early spring to encourage strong regrowth. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as it can stimulate tender new growth that’s vulnerable to cold damage.
With a little care, your fall mums can stay beautiful all season long and even reward you again next year with another round of cheerful color. Whether they’re brightening up your front steps or adding a pop of fall flair to your garden beds, mums are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to keep happy through autumn.
