Mums are a classic fall flower. Used in doorways and on porches, these beautiful bushy flowers are also perennials that can come back year after year. Learning how to plant, care, and grow for mums can allow you to keep those beautiful flowering plants to enjoy every fall.
How to Grow and Care for Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Mums are perennial plants that do well in most conditions. With a little love and care, these flowering bushes will come back every year to give you flowers in the fall.
When choosing a mum to plant, there are many different varieties. These include decorative, daisy, low-growing cushion mums, as well as early-blooming anemones, quills, and spiders.
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What Zone Do Mums Grow?
There are many types of mums that can grow in almost any garden zone. Although most do well in zones 6 and up, many plants can also thrive in areas that get cold and frigid as well (zone 3). Choose a variety that will thrive in your zone so that your mum will be sure to come back every year.
Cool-weather doesn’t bother these plants. In fact, once it begins to get cool, mums will bloom and the flower colors will intensify.
What Soil Conditions Do Mums Need?
Mums are great in that they can do well in just about any soil. Although, they do like a bit of homemade Compost to thrive.
Soil needs to be broken up enough to allow for drainage though. So clay-type soils need to be amended so that water doesn’t sit at the roots and drown out or rot your mums.
Watering Requirements
Mums like to be watered when enough to stay damp but not wet. Mums planted in pots will need to be watered more often then those that are planted directly into the ground. Make sure to check your mums frequently so they don’t dry out.
Sun Needs for Mums
Mums require full-sun and would do best in a location that allows them to get sun from every angle. Allowing them the sun will ensure that they grow more blooms and larger bushes than those that are planted in the shade.
How to Winterize Mums
Planting these bushes in the spring or fall will give you the best chance of survival. If planting in the fall, be sure that it is early enough that the plants still have time to set down some roots before winter hits, otherwise, they may not make it.
Mulch your mums with about four inches of mulch to protect your mums before the ground freezes over. This is especially important for newly established plants as a harsh winter can kill them.
Mums are a great option in the garden. The right variety can work in any zone! Cool weather can boost bloom production allowing you to enjoy these flowers in the fall and with so many colors, you have a ton of options.
Want more Gardening Tips?
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