how to take care of potted mums

Those vibrant pots of mums, or chrysanthemums, are a sure sign that autumn has arrived. Their cheerful blooms in shades of orange, red, yellow, and purple bring a final burst of color to porches and patios before winter settles in. While they are often treated as temporary decorations, with a little know-how, you can keep them thriving and beautiful long after you bring them home. Learning how to take care of potted mums is the key to extending their spectacular show.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Take Care of Potted Mums

Your mums’ number one need is water. These plants are thirsty, especially when they are in full bloom and sitting in a small pot. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time for a thorough watering. Water slowly at the base of the plant until you see it running out of the drainage holes. Avoid watering the foliage, as wet leaves can lead to disease. A well-hydrated mum is a happy, blooming mum.

Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot

Mums are sun worshippers. To maintain their dense, flower-covered shape, they need a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. A bright, sunny spot is ideal. If they don’t get enough light, you might notice the plant becoming leggy and the number of blooms decreasing. Don’t be afraid to place them in a location that gets plenty of morning and afternoon sun; they will reward you with more vibrant and long-lasting color.

Keeping Your Mums Looking Their Best

A simple but effective trick for prolonging your mum’s beauty is deadheading. This simply means pinching or snipping off the spent, faded flowers. By removing the old blooms, you prevent the plant from putting energy into producing seeds and encourage it to focus on creating new flower buds. Regularly deadheading your mums not only keeps them looking tidy but can also stimulate a fresh wave of blossoms.

A Simple Feeding Routine

Potted mums you buy from the store are typically already fertilized for immediate blooming. For long-term care, especially if you hope to keep the plant for another season, a light feeding can be beneficial. Once the initial flush of flowers starts to fade, you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks. This provides the nutrients needed to support any new growth and potential future buds.

With consistent watering, plenty of sunshine, and a little grooming, your potted mums can remain a stunning feature for many weeks. These simple steps help you get the most out of your autumn investment, filling your space with seasonal color long after the leaves have started to fall.