how to care for mums

There’s a reason mums are the undisputed stars of the autumn garden. Their cheerful, vibrant blooms bring a final, spectacular burst of color just as the rest of the world begins to wind down. Whether you’ve picked up a pot from the local garden center or are nurturing a perennial patch, knowing how to care for mums is the key to keeping them beautiful throughout the season and beyond.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Care for Mums

Caring for these autumn beauties hinges on a few simple but important practices. The first step begins the moment you bring them home. If your mums are in a nursery pot, it’s a good idea to repot them into a larger container or plant them directly in the ground. This gives their roots room to stretch and access more nutrients. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface and not buried too deeply.

Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot

Mums are sun worshippers. To achieve the most abundant blooms and a compact, bushy shape, they need a solid six hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot with morning sun is ideal, as it dries the dew from the leaves, helping to prevent disease. While they can tolerate a little afternoon shade, too little light will result in leggy plants and fewer flowers.

Watering for Healthy and Happy Plants

Consistent moisture is crucial, but soggy soil is a recipe for root rot. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and flowers, to help keep foliage dry and healthy. Potted mums may need water daily, especially during warm, sunny weather.

Encouraging More Blooms and a Bushier Shape

To get that picture-perfect, dense mound of flowers, a simple practice called pinching can make all the difference. In the spring and early summer, when the new growth is about six inches tall, use your fingers or clean shears to pinch off the top inch of each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out, leading to more stems and, ultimately, more blooms come autumn. You can stop pinching around mid-July to allow flower buds to form.

Setting the Stage for Next Year

For perennial mums, a little end-of-season care helps ensure they return. After the blooms have faded, you can leave the dead foliage in place over the winter to provide some protection for the crown. In early spring, as new growth begins to emerge, cut the old stems back to the ground. A layer of light mulch can be applied then to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

With just a little attention to their sunlight, water, and shape, your mums will reward you with a spectacular, long-lasting display of fall color that truly celebrates the season.