How To Keep Mum Plants Alive For Longer –

Welcome to the world of chrysanthemums, often affectionately referred to as “mums.” These vibrant and versatile plants are a fall favorite, adorning gardens, porches, and flower beds with their colorful blooms. However, if you’re a fan of these delightful flowers, you may find yourself wondering how to extend their lifespan and enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

In this article, we’ll uncover the secrets to nurturing your mum plants, ensuring they thrive and grace your surroundings with their blossoms for an extended period. From the right amount of sunlight to the nuances of watering and the art of deadheading, we’ll explore the essential care tips to keep your mum plants healthy.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a newcomer to the world of mums, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to foster these lovely flowers, ensuring they remain vibrant and alive for longer. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of mum care and extend the beauty of fall throughout the season, let’s dive into the world of nurturing chrysanthemums and making your garden burst with life.

Before we get into that though let’s talk about how to pick the best mum plant! Because picking a good one is a great way to ensure you have a successful mum season.

Tips for picking the best mum plant:

Choose Healthy Plants: Look for mum plants that appear healthy and vibrant. Avoid those with discolored, wilted, or yellowing leaves, as these may indicate stress or disease.
Check the Shape: Examine the overall shape and form of the plant. Ideally, it should be bushy and well-branched with a balanced appearance. Avoid plants that are tall and spindly or ones that have a lopsided shape.
Inspect the Foliage: The leaves should be lush and green, not brown, spotted, or yellow. Check for any signs of pest damage, such as holes or webbing.
Buds and Blooms: Mums are typically sold with a few buds and some open blooms. Look for plants with multiple unopened buds, as these will provide longer-lasting color. Avoid plants with faded or spent blooms.
Root Health: If possible, inspect the root system. The roots should be white or light tan and appear healthy. Avoid plants with roots that are brown, mushy, or have a foul odor, as these may be root rot issues.
Choose the Right Color: Mums come in a variety of colors, so select ones that complement your garden or home décor. Consider the color scheme and where you plan to place them.
Consider the Location: Think about where you’ll be planting or displaying the mums. If they will be in a spot with limited sunlight, choose varieties that are suitable for partial shade. For full sun areas, select mums that thrive in direct sunlight.
Size Matters: Determine how tall and wide you want your mum plants to grow. Mums come in various sizes, from petite and compact to tall and bushy. Make sure the plant’s mature size fits your space.
Variety Selection: There are different types of mums, including garden mums, cushion mums, and Belgian mums, each with its growth habit and flower shape. Choose the variety that best suits your preferences and garden style.
Ask for Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from nursery staff or experienced gardeners. They can provide insights into the best mums for your region and specific needs.
Read Labels: Check the plant labels for information on hardiness zones, sunlight requirements, and care instructions. This will help you select mums that are well-suited to your climate and garden conditions.
Consider Perennials: If you want mums that come back year after year, look for perennial varieties. While most garden mums are considered perennials, some are more reliably winter hardy than others.

Now let’s get into how to keep mum plants alive for longer now that you have picked out the best ones!

How To Keep Mum Plants Alive For Longer

Tips for making mums last longer outside:

Keeping a mum plant (Chrysanthemum) alive and thriving can be a rewarding experience, especially if you want to enjoy its beautiful blooms for an extended period. Here are some tips to help you care for your mum plant and keep it alive for longer:

Location, Location, Location: Mums prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Proper Watering: Mums like consistently moist soil. Water your mum plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your mum is potted in well-draining soil. A mix designed for indoor plants or one-third perlite added to regular potting soil can help with drainage.
Deadheading: Remove faded or spent blooms regularly. This encourages the plant to put more energy into producing new flowers.
Pruning: To encourage a bushier shape and prolong blooming, pinch back the tips of the mum’s stems when they reach about 6 inches in height. You can do this every 2-4 weeks until early summer.
Fertilize Sparingly: Mums are not heavy feeders. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength and apply it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Protect from Frost: Mums are typically considered fall-blooming plants. If you’re growing them outdoors, protect them from early frost by bringing them indoors or covering them at night.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. If you notice an infestation, treat your mum plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mulch: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your outdoor mum plants can help maintain soil moisture and temperature. This is especially important in cold climates.
Winter Care: If you’re growing mums in containers, bring them indoors before the first frost. Place them in a cool, dark location for the winter, like an unheated garage. Water sparingly during this dormant period.
Rejuvenation: In some regions, mums can be challenging to overwinter outdoors. You can opt to treat them as annuals or try a technique called “mum rejuvenation.” In early spring, cut the plant back to a few inches above the ground, then fertilize and water. This can encourage new growth and blooms.

By following these tips and providing the right care, you can keep your mum plant healthy and enjoy its vibrant blooms for an extended period. Remember that different mum varieties may have slightly different care requirements, so it’s a good idea to research the specific type of mum you have for the best results.