Fall Flowers: Choose Your Mums Wisely

With their bright colors and fluffy domes of blossoms, mums (or chrysanthemums) are the perfect way to celebrate fall. These cheerful flowers bring a burst of color as summer blooms fade, making them ideal for brightening gardens, porches, or even cozy indoor spaces. But before you rush out to buy a bunch of mums, it’s important to know that not all mums are the same. Choosing the right type will make a big difference in how you enjoy these fall beauties.

Florist Mums

Florist mums, which are annuals, are often what you find at grocery stores and floral shops starting in late summer. These mums are bred to have a compact, bushy shape covered in lots of small, colorful flowers. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, which makes them a great choice for decorating porches, patios, or any indoor area needing a splash of fall color.

If you decide to buy florist mums, try to pick plants with as many closed buds as possible. This way, you get to enjoy the blooms for longer as they slowly open. Keep in mind, though, that these mums aren’t built for the long haul. Their root systems are shallow, making it tough for them to survive a winter, especially in colder climates. Think of florist mums as a burst of seasonal color that will last for several weeks rather than a year-round addition to your garden.

Garden Mums

Garden mums, also called hardy mums, are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. These tougher varieties are well-suited to surviving cold temperatures, especially in growing zones 4 through 9. Garden mums are perfect for planting in flower beds and borders, as they tend to have a looser growth habit with more foliage, unlike the denser florist mums.

Garden mums grow fast—often reaching their mature size in just one growing season—and do best when planted in the ground. With proper care, they’ll survive the winter and bloom again next fall, giving you a yearly dose of color without needing to be replaced.

Caring for Your Mums

No matter which kind of mum you choose, proper care will help you get the most from these fall flowers.

• Light Requirements: Mums love sunlight. They need at least six hours of full sun each day to produce their best blooms. Whether indoors or outdoors, make sure your mums get plenty of bright light.
• Watering Tips: Mums thrive in moist, well-drained soil. It’s important to water them deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather, when the soil can dry out quickly. However, avoid letting the soil get too soggy—mums don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil. If you’re growing mums in pots, check the soil frequently to ensure it stays evenly moist.
• Fertilizing for Healthy Growth: Perennial mums benefit from a bit of fertilizer to help them thrive. In the spring, use a slow-release fertilizer to promote strong growth. Then, in the middle of summer, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer, which helps boost flower production. This extra nutrient boost will help your mums show off their fullest, most colorful blooms in the fall.
• Pruning and Pinching: Florist mums will benefit from pinching off spent blooms, which encourages the plant to keep producing flowers and helps maintain a neat, tidy appearance. This is especially important if you want to enjoy their blooms for as long as possible.

Making the Right Choice for Your Garden

Both florists and garden mums have something special to offer. If you want a quick splash of color for your front porch or an indoor centerpiece, florist mums are a great, affordable choice. They’re easy to care for and will add cheer to any space, but don’t expect them to stick around once winter comes.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more permanent addition to your garden, garden mums are the way to go. Their hardiness means you can enjoy their blooms for many fall seasons to come. Plant them in a sunny spot in your garden, give them plenty of water and nutrients, and you’ll be rewarded year after year with a beautiful burst of color.

No matter which type of mum you choose, these vibrant fall flowers are sure to make the season a little brighter—just like a warm welcome from Mother Nature herself.