As summer’s showy blooms begin to fade, chrysanthemums burst onto the scene with a vibrant display of colour. Each year, these stunning flowers transform our garden centre into a vivid showcase, marking the arrival of fall. Versatile and charming, chrysanthemums, also known as mums, thrive in containers, making them easy to enjoy and manage. With a bit of care, your mums can brighten your outdoor spaces and bring a cozy warmth to your autumn decor.
Here's how to keep your mums looking their best:
Tip #1 - Brighten your blooms
This plant has high light requirements. The more light it receives, the more blooms your plant will produce. Don’t worry about the foliage! The hardy leaves can withstand the fall season’s direct rays. Place your mum in a sunny spot where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Tip #2 - Stay hydrated
These are shallow-rooted plants, so they require consistent moisture. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged or soggy—good drainage is a must.
Tip #3 - Fertilizer: Feed or skip?
Mums with tight buds and little to no colour can benefit from fertilizer. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week until your plant starts to show its beautiful colours.
From our grower’s experience, fertilizer is not required once the buds have bloomed. Newly purchased mums from garden centers are typically at this stage, so you can skip or reduce feeding for the rest of the season if that is easiest for you.
Tip #4 - Prune for perfection
Remove spent blooms and trim back any leggy growth to keep your mums looking full and healthy. This allows your plant to focus its energy on growing new, fresh blooms.
Tip #5 - Selecting mums for long-lasting fall
If you want your mums to bloom through to Thanksgiving, it's important to be strategic when shopping in September. Opt for plants that have tight, unopened buds rather than those already in full bloom. This way, the buds will gradually open throughout the fall season, giving you beautiful, long-lasting colour that extends well into October. Mums that are already fully bloomed may fade sooner, leaving you with fewer flowers as the season progresses.
By following these simple yet effective tips, your chrysanthemums will reward you with vibrant, lasting colour, transforming your porch displays into a stunning focal point. With a little care, you’ll enjoy the beauty of these fall favourites all season long, making the most of autumn’s charm.
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