Receiving Helpdesk

best time to plant mums

by Lea Strosin Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

spring

How late in the season can I plant mums?

If you’re using a mum as a perennial, plant in early spring, or in the fall at least six weeks before the first killing frost. If you’re using chrysanthemums for a pop of fall color to boost your late season garden, plant them when they’re blooming in later summer or early fall and treat them as annuals. See also Should potted mums be planted?

How late in the year can you plant mums?

  • Exposure: Full sun
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
  • When to plant: Spring to late summer
  • Recommended varieties: Hillside Sheffield Pink, Clara Curtis, Mary Stoker
  • Pests and diseases to watch out for: Aphids, leaf miners, leaf spot

How can I get my mums to bloom?

Will Mums Bloom Twice in a Pot?

  • Chrysanthemum Bloom Time. Chrysanthemums are short-day plants. As the days shorten after the summer solstice, mums naturally begin to develop buds, followed by flowers.
  • Pruning Mums to Force Blooms. Chrysanthemums do not normally bloom twice. ...
  • Growing Chrysanthemums Outside as Perennials. You may be growing chrysanthemums called "garden" or "hardy" mums. ...

Can I cut mums that are blooming early?

You may opt to wait and cut mums back in late winter or early spring when new green growth emerges or cut the plants back in late fall or early winter shortly after they finish blooming.

Will mums come back every year?

Because people often think that mums (formally called Chrysanthemums) are at best a finicky perennial, many gardeners treat them as annuals, but this doesn't have to be the case. With just a little winter care for mums, these fall beauties can come back year after year.

How late in the year can you plant mums?

If you live in Zones 5 to 9, where the mum is naturally hardy, the best way to overwinter your mums is by planting them in the ground by late September. In most areas they won't need any extra winter protection, but in Zone 5 it's a good idea to put down a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the plants.

When should I buy fall mums?

Mid-SeptemberMid-September is the earliest time you should consider buying mums. However, each year the longer and hotter summers are pushing that date later and later into September, even into the month of October. As a rule, we at Southern Living recommend "buying plants as they start to break bud.

Where is the best place to plant mums?

full sunMums should be planted in partial to full sun. If you're trying to decide between the two light exposures, always choose full sun for mums. This helps the plant maintain its energy during the blooming cycle as well as produce new buds, which is important if you want to see color up until the first hard frost.

Can mums survive frost?

Most garden mums should be able to endure a light fall frost. Cover the plants at night when freeze warnings are in effect. To keep the plant attractive and healthy, snip off any dead blossoms as soon as they wilt.

Can I plant potted mums in the ground?

0:212:53Planting Potted Mums - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe sooner you plant these in the ground the better they're going to be for a winter.MoreThe sooner you plant these in the ground the better they're going to be for a winter.

Can mums survive the winter in pots?

With potted mums, the first key is to never let them endure a freeze in their pot or container. Mums can survive light frosts and cold fairly easy, but a hard freeze can kill roots in pots permanently.

Do mums like sun or shade?

How Much Sunlight Do Mums Require? Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants. Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching.

How long do potted mums last outside?

Garden mums may be grown in containers, or planted in beds with existing shrubs and flowers. Flowers generally last about two or three weeks, depending on the outdoor temperatures and how far along the blooming process was when the plants were purchased.

What type of mums come back every year?

Garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are perennial mums. Cut-flower chrysanthemums, like spider mums or football mums, are perennials in Zones 5 to 9, and these types are becoming easier to find for sale online.

How do you keep mums blooming all fall?

To prolong the blooms, keep the plant in bright indirect light, rather than full sun. Water Mums from Bottom: Protect your mums from rain, and water them carefully without splashing the foliage or blooms. This will help keep the blooms from spotting and browning.

Will potted mums bloom again?

Mums are easily fooled If a mum blooms prematurely in the late summertime, it won't bloom again for the season. If it blooms in the spring, as long as you cut it back within 8 inches of the ground, it will bloom again in the fall.

How long does it take for a garden mum to bloom?

On average, garden mums will not start to set buds until the nights last about 10 hours long. Blooms follow in six to 10 weeks. Cool temperatures don't bother mums, either. In fact, chilly weather intensifies colors and keeps blossoms looking fresh until a hard, killing frost drops the curtain on the gardening year.

How to grow mums from cuttings?

Start a nursery bed where you can grow your own mums from cuttings. In late summer, transfer the ready-to-bloom plants into the garden to take the place of tired-looking annuals. When a killing frost is predicted, pot up your mums and bring them indoors to adorn the Thanksgiving table.

How to grow a sage plant from a cutting?

Simply snip off a 4-inch stem with leaves on it and put it in a pot filled with a soilless medium, such as vermiculite. Keep it moist and outdoors in a bright spot. After a couple of weeks, repot the cutting (which has sprouted roots) to a small container filled with potting soil. Fertilize once a week.

How big do mums get?

True to their new designation, these oversize mums can measure 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet across by their third season,with a massive canopy of flowers — up to 5,000 per plant. Monarch butterflies adore these shrubby wonders.

How much sunlight does a mum need?

Sunshine: Mums planted in full sun bloom more profusely than those in partial shade. An optimal site receives six to eight hours of direct light.

What zone do you plant in for winter?

If you live where winter can be frigid (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6), go with early-blooming varieties — they're more likely to come back in subsequent years. Those of you who live south of Zone 6 can push the envelope, opting for varieties that need more time to reach their full potential.

Is a mum pest resistant?

And best of all for home gardeners, mums are generally pest- and disease-resistant, making few demands beyond ample sunshine and consistent watering.

When do mums bloom?

Mums are even-light bloomers, meaning they bloom when the days and nights are even in length. Usually, mums bloom in fall. They start budding around Labor Day and bloom soon after. If your spring is mild, and you plant the mums in early March, you may get a spring bloom.

How to keep mums alive?

Store them in a cold basement or cool dark closet. Be sure to water plants well before storage and then water every month to keep roots alive. Good luck!

How to overwinter mums?

Want to give your mum her best shot at overwintering? Follow these tips: 1 For your fall mums to have the best chance at survival in cold areas, overwinter them in the basement or a dark, cold closet. 2 Pot up plants after the first frost if they are in the ground; include as much root system as possible. 3 Leave the foliage on the plants until spring. 4 Water well and place in a protected area where it is totally dark and 32ºF to 50ºF. 5 The plants will hibernate for the winter if you keep their roots damp. Check pots weekly. 6 In the spring, acclimate plants to light gradually and set them out in the garden after the last killing frost.

What flowers are in October?

In October, chrysanthemums and asters are everywhere, from six-inch pots to bushel baskets of orange, yellow, pink, and copper mounded behemoths. I just want to buy everything and plant!

How to get mums to turn brown?

You can try it. After the mums start to turn brown, cut them back to within 1 inch of the soil. Water and put the pot in a protected area (example: garage, cold frame). Surround the plant with newspapers and place newspapers below the pot. Check your mums once a month or so to see if it's getting dried out and water if so. In the early spring, you can plant the mums in the ground.

How to store mums?

They need to go dormant. About once a month give them some water to keep the soil moist. In the spring plant them outside and you should see new growth starting. Your mums should have started to grow by now. You can dig them up and see if there is any growth showing from the roots. If not you need to replace them with new mums.

How to keep a plant from crowding?

Keep your plants well-watered and deadheaded. If the roots are crowding the pot, feel free to move the plants up to the next size pot. They will keep on growing in a sunny spot. Fertilize them in the spring when they start to produce new growth.

When do mums need to be staked?

Taller varieties of mums may need to be staked when they’re full of blooms.

What are mums in fall?

Mums can give you color till the cold comes. Here’s how to make the queen of autumn gardens thrive. Chrysanthemums, nicknamed “mums,” are one of fall’s quintessential flowers. They’re usually the last plant to bloom before frost, ushering your garden into the big sleep of winter with a last bang of color.

How big do mums grow?

Growing Mums. Chrysanthemums grow 1' to 3' tall and get 1' to 2' wide, depending on the type . If you’re using a mum as a perennial, plant in early spring, or in the fall at least six weeks before the first killing frost.

What bugs are in a mum?

Mums are susceptible to the usual array of bugs: aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers and spider mites.

Why are mums good for containers?

Mums are ideal for containers because of their shallow root systems.

How to treat chrysanthemums?

The best treatment is prevention. Don’t crowd chrysanthemums or plant them in shade where moisture will remain on their leaves and create a breeding ground for disease. Give them plenty of air and sun.

What is the last flower to bloom in the fall?

Chrysanthemums, nicknamed “mums,” are one of fall’s quintessential flowers. They’re usually the last plant to bloom before frost, ushering your garden into the big sleep of winter with a last bang of color. There are many species of mums, hundreds of varieties and thousands of hybrids, with blooms that can be as frilly as a cheerleading pompom ...

How to grow mums in a pot?

Place soil in a new pot. You will need to get a pot for your mum and some potting soil to fill your pot. Look for a potting soil mix that is appropriate for flowers. If you're planting a mum plant, the pot should be twice as big as the rootball.

How to transplant mums?

If you're transplanting a plant, gently remove it from its container by flipping the container over and gently tapping the bottom until the plant slides out. Place the plant carefully in the hole - make sure it's not tilted to one side or the other. If you're planting seeds, sprinkle five or six seeds into the hole. Once the plants or seeds are in the hole, fill it the rest of the way with soil and pat it down with your hand.

How to plant mum seeds in a pot?

Place the mum in the pot and fill with soil. Once you’ve filled the pot with soil to the edge , gently tap the container on the table to even out the soil. If you're planting mum seeds in a pot, place 2 to 3 seeds for every 4 inches (9 cm) of diameter. ...

Why do mums bloom?

Mums bloom based on the changes in sunlight as nights get longer and days get shorter, so try to avoid planting them near artificial light sources like street lights.

How much sun do spider mums need?

Mums will bloom pretty much anywhere, but they do best in an area in full sunlight. This means the area where you plant your mums should get 5 to 6 hours of direct sun per day.

How long do mums last?

1. Choose garden mums for a hardy flower. Hardy mums can last for several years if you plant them at the correct time of year and care for them properly. They’ll put down deep roots that help them survive the winter and come back the following year and flower again.

How to get rid of dead mums?

Once your mums bloom, you’ll find that some blooms fade quicker than others. Remove them by gently pinching the bloom at the base of the stem and pulling it off. This encourages the plant to grow more blooms and keeps your plant looking fresh.

When to cut down mums?

Uncover mums and cut down the dead stems in spring when you see new growth sprouting.

When to give mums a 10-10-10?

Or apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring. But if you irrigate or it’s been a rainy season, give your mums a little extra 10-10-10 as the buds form.

How to protect mums from cold?

And it’s a good idea to spread 2 to 4 in. of straw or other loose mulch over the roots to keep them evenly cold and protected. Uncover mums and cut down the dead stems in spring when you see new growth sprouting.

Why do you pinched mums?

Pinching mums can help promote more flowers or to create a desired habit.

How to get the most blooms?

To get the most bloom time, choose potted mums at the nursery whose buds are just starting to show color like you see above. And if you’re moving them into containers, don’t worry about using a high-quality potting mix or even fertilizing — they’re ready to go. Actually, no matter how you’re going to enjoy them, you can simply slip the mum, pot and all, into place and you’re set for the season.

What are the different types of mum flowers?

Different mum flower forms. Decorative flowers are double, with tightly overlapping rows of petals. Daisy flowers are single with narrow petals radiating out from the center. Spoon flowers are similar to daisies, but with the half of the petal nearest the center “quilled,” or rolled into a tube.

What is the flower of autumn?

Chrysanthemums, or garden mums, are the quintessential flowers of autumn...find out how to grow mums and see a few of our favorite varieties to add to your garden.

Perennial Mums: The Basics

Perennial Mums, also known as Chrysanthemums, are long-lived perennial flowers in the daisy family that originated from China. There are 13 flower-type categories and hundreds of varieties. Perennial Mums come in all sorts of colors such as red, orange, yellow, white, pink, lavender, and bronze.

Varieties Of Perennial Mums

There are countless different varieties of Perennial Mums to choose from. Here are some popular Perennial Mums to grow:

Plant Care For Perennial Mums

Perennial Mums are relatively easy to care for. They generally require at least 6 hours of sunlight with partial afternoon shade preferred in Zones 8-9. Mums need to be watered regularly throughout the year at the base of the plant to ensure the roots receive ample moisture.

Types Of Perennial Mums

There are 13 different class categories of perennial mums. Every variety falls into one of these categories, including various cultivars of Garden Mums, Florist Mums, Exhibition Show Mums, Japanese Mums, and Korean Mums.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9