Chrysanthemums, or mums as they’re commonly known, are fall’s signature flower, filling gardens, doorsteps, and patios with vibrant bursts of color. Their rich hues and full blooms brighten up any autumn landscape. However, once Halloween rolls around, many gardeners find their mums fading just as the festive season is in full swing.
But don’t worry! With some clever strategies, you can extend your mums’ blooms well into the chilly fall months, and even winter them over for a showy comeback next year. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your mums blooming longer and get them ready for a revival next spring.
1. Choose the Right Type of Mums
The key to extending the bloom of your mums starts with choosing the right variety. There are two main types of mums: florist mums and hardy mums (also called garden mums).
- Florist Mums: These are typically found in grocery stores or flower shops and are meant to be temporary indoor decorations. They don’t overwinter well and are usually discarded after their blooms fade.
- Hardy Mums: These are meant for outdoor planting and can survive winter with proper care. They are more likely to bloom year after year.
If you’re hoping to extend your mums’ blooms and keep them for next season, hardy mums are your best bet.
2. Watering Wisely for Extended Blooms
Proper watering is critical to prolong the life of your mums’ blooms. Here’s how you can ensure they thrive longer:
- Consistent Moisture: Mums prefer consistent moisture. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Don’t allow the soil to dry out completely, as this can shorten their blooming period.
- Avoid Overwatering: While mums need consistent watering, they don’t like soggy roots. Ensure they have good drainage, whether in pots or garden beds, to prevent root rot.
Tip: Water your mums in the morning to give them time to absorb the moisture before temperatures drop in the evening.
3. Deadhead Spent Blooms
One of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the blooming period of your mums is through deadheading. By removing dead or faded flowers, you encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing more blooms rather than seed formation.
- How to Deadhead: Using sharp scissors or pruners, snip off the spent blooms just above the next set of leaves or buds. This not only keeps your plant looking tidy but encourages new buds to open.
- Frequency: Check your mums every few days and deadhead any faded flowers. This practice can help your mums continue blooming for weeks longer than usual.
4. Pinching for Next Season’s Blooms
Pinching is a technique that encourages mums to grow bushier and produce more flowers. If you plan on keeping your mums for next year, here’s what you need to do:
- When to Pinch: In late spring or early summer (around May to July), once your mums have grown to about 6-8 inches tall, pinch off the top inch of each stem. This will encourage the plant to produce side branches, resulting in a fuller plant with more blooms.
- Repeat: You can pinch your mums again when they reach 12 inches in height, but stop pinching by early July. After this, allow the plant to grow and form flower buds for fall blooming.
5. Fertilize for More Flowers
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