When the days grow shorter and summer flowers begin to fade, chrysanthemums – affectionately called mums – take center stage.
With their vibrant hues of gold, bronze, purple, red, orange, and white, they bring unmatched brilliance to porches, patios, and gardens.
In many cultures, mums symbolize endurance, optimism, and renewal. In the U.S., they’re the unofficial flower of autumn, a seasonal staple for fall decorating alongside pumpkins and cornstalks.
In Japan, chrysanthemums represent longevity and are celebrated in festivals. In some European countries, they are tied to remembrance and placed on graves in November.
But for all their popularity, many gardeners treat mums as disposable – something to brighten fall for a few weeks before the frost kills them off.
The truth? With proper care, mums can bloom beautifully all fall and return year after year as hardy perennials.
Understanding Chrysanthemums (Mums 101)
The Botanical Background
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are native to Asia, especially China and Japan, where they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
They belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and are closely related to asters, sunflowers, and zinnias.
Florist Mums vs. Garden Mums
When shopping for mums, you’ll encounter two broad categories:
Florist Mums (Annual Mums):
- Sold in grocery stores and garden centers in late summer.
- Bred for looks, not hardiness.
- Typically don’t survive winter, especially in colder climates.
- Great for quick seasonal decoration.
Garden Mums (Perennial Mums):
- Also called hardy mums.
- Bred to withstand colder temperatures.
- Return each year if properly planted and cared for.
- Can live for many years, becoming more robust with age.
If you want mums that survive, always look for perennial, hardy varieties at nurseries rather than last-minute florist pots.
Why Do Mums Bloom in Fall?
Mums are “short-day plants,” which means they bloom when nights are longer than days – usually late summer into fall.
Their flower buds are triggered by lengthening nights, which is why mums naturally come alive when everything else is winding down.
Choosing the Right Mums for Long-Term Success
Not all mums are equally hardy, and your success depends on choosing the right cultivar for your climate.
Tips for Selecting Mums:
- Check Labels: Look for tags that say garden mum or hardy mum.
- Talk to Local Nurseries: They’ll stock varieties proven to thrive in your growing zone.
- Look for Compact Shapes: Plants that are already bushy with lots of buds will bloom longer.
Recommended Hardy Varieties
- ‘Clara Curtis’ – Pink blooms, very hardy (Zone 4).
- ‘Sheffield Pink’ – Delicate peach-pink, prolific bloomer.
- ‘Hillside Pink’ – Large flowers, strong perennial habit.
- ‘Minnruby’ – Compact, ruby-red flowers, excellent for borders.
These varieties don’t just look good in fall – they return reliably each year when properly planted.
Planting Mums for Success
Best Planting Time
- Spring: Ideal for perennial mums. Gives roots months to establish before winter.
- Fall: Possible, but plant at least 6 weeks before frost. Later than that, they likely won’t survive winter.
Soil Preparation
Mums need:
- Well-drained soil: Prevents root rot.
- Rich organic matter: Compost or aged manure is ideal.
- pH between 6.0–7.0.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend with compost, sand, or leaf mold.
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Mix compost into the backfill soil.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch lightly around the base.
Container vs. In-Ground Planting
Containers: Great for porches and patios. Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix. Water daily in hot weather.
Garden Beds: Best for long-term perennial mums. Provide mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Sunlight and Location
Mums are sun lovers.
- 6–8 hours of full sun daily is ideal.
- Less sun = fewer flowers and leggy growth.
- Best location: morning sun and afternoon shade to keep blooms from fading.
- Avoid planting under trees where shade and competition for nutrients reduce flowering.
Watering Mums Correctly
Mums have shallow roots that dry quickly.
- Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Container mums may need daily watering in warm weather.
- Water at the base, not overhead, to reduce fungal disease.
Mulch with shredded leaves, bark, or straw to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Feeding and Fertilizing Mums
Mums are heavy feeders.
- Spring & Summer: Use balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2–3 weeks.
- July–August: Switch to bloom-boosting fertilizer higher in phosphorus (5-10-5).
- Stop Fertilizing by Mid-August: New tender growth won’t harden before frost.
Organic options: compost tea, fish emulsion, bone meal for phosphorus.
Deadheading and Pinching – The Secrets to More Blooms
Deadheading
Removes spent flowers and encourages new buds.
- Snip blooms just above the nearest leaves.
- Repeat weekly during bloom season.
Pinching Back
The single most important technique for bushier mums.
- Start when plants are 6–8 inches tall (late spring).
- Pinch back the top inch of growth.
- Repeat every 2–3 weeks until mid-July.
- Results: compact, dome-shaped plants loaded with buds.
If you skip pinching, mums become tall, leggy, and produce fewer flowers.
Overwintering Your Mums
If you want mums to survive winter:
- Cut Back: After first hard frost, cut stems to 3–4 inches tall.
- Mulch Heavily: Apply 4–6 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles.
- Containers: Move pots into a sheltered, unheated garage or basement. Keep soil slightly moist.
- Cold Climates: Cover with burlap or frost blankets for extra insulation.
Don’t cut them too early – the fading foliage helps insulate roots.
Dividing and Propagating Mums
Mums can become crowded and bloom less after 2–3 years.
- Spring Division: Dig up clumps and separate into smaller sections.
- Each division should have roots and shoots.
- Replant in enriched soil.
You’ll rejuvenate old plants and get free new mums.
Propagation by cuttings: take 3–4 inch tips in spring, root in moist potting mix.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Aphids & Spider Mites: Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Powdery Mildew & Rust: Avoid overhead watering; improve airflow.
- Bloom Drop: Usually from lack of water, too much shade, or stress.
Growing Mums in Containers vs. Beds
Containers: Portable, great for decorating. Require frequent watering.
Beds: Long-term, hardy perennials thrive here. Easier to overwinter.
Many gardeners use both: pots for show, garden beds for longevity.
Decorative and Cultural Uses
- Perfect porch companions with pumpkins, hay bales, and gourds.
- Popular in cut arrangements and bouquets.
- Symbolism: longevity in Asia, remembrance in Europe, joy in the U.S.
Month-by-Month Mum Care Calendar
- Jan–Feb: Check overwintering plants, keep mulch in place.
- Mar–Apr: Divide and replant. Add compost.
- May–Jul: Pinch every 2–3 weeks, fertilize regularly.
- Aug: Stop pinching, switch to bloom fertilizer.
- Sep–Oct: Peak blooms! Deadhead weekly.
- Nov–Dec: Cut back after frost, mulch heavily.
Advanced Tips for Mum Enthusiasts
- Forcing Blooms Indoors: Control light exposure to trigger flowering.
- Exhibition Mums: Grown with single giant blooms for shows.
- Unusual Forms: Spider mums, spoon mums, cushion mums.
- Hybrid Collecting: Explore rare cultivars for unique garden displays.
Chrysanthemums don’t have to be short-lived seasonal décor.
By choosing hardy perennial varieties, planting them early, providing proper sun, water, and fertilizer, and preparing them for winter, you can enjoy brilliant blooms all fall and watch them return stronger each year.
With pinching, deadheading, and division, mums reward you with fuller, longer-lasting flowers that embody the joy and beauty of autumn
