Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are a fall garden staple known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. They light up porches, patios, and garden beds throughout autumn, but many people are disappointed when their mums don’t return the next year. The secret to enjoying mums year after year lies in selecting the right type, planting them properly, and giving them the care they need to thrive in the long term.
At Old Country Gardens, we offer Cold Hardy Mums, unlike many of the porch-sitting varieties sold at big box stores, which are often not hardy enough to survive the winter, especially in Delaware’s climate. Here’s everything you need to know to help your mums not only survive but thrive as a perennial in your garden.
1. Choose the Right Mums
The first key to having mums come back year after year is choosing the right type. Many mums sold in stores are designed to look gorgeous for a season, but they’re not hardy enough to survive the winter. At Old Country Gardens, we sell Cold Hardy Mums that are specifically grown to withstand the winter temperatures of Delaware and are bred to be true perennials. Unlike the root-bound mums often sold in small pots at big box stores, our mums are well-balanced, grown for resilience, and are ready to thrive in your garden for years to come.
2. Planting Your Mums Properly
To ensure your mums have the best chance at returning year after year, it’s crucial to plant them in the ground as soon as possible. Here’s how:
- Timing: The earlier you plant them in the fall, the better. Planting them in late August or early September gives them enough time to establish their root systems before the first frost hits.
- Location: Mums love full sun, so choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. They also need well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If you’re worried about drainage, mix some compost into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient content.
- Spacing: Make sure to plant mums with enough space around them to allow for air circulation. Crowded plants can lead to disease, and you want to give them room to spread as they grow.
3. Watering Your Mums
Mums need consistent moisture to become established, so be sure to water them well, especially in the weeks following planting. However, be cautious not to overwater, as mums don’t like soggy roots. Once established, mums are fairly drought-tolerant, but during the fall growing season, make sure they’re getting at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering.
4. Mulch for Winter Protection
Once you’ve planted your mums, give them an extra layer of protection for winter by mulching around the base of the plant. Mulch helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures and reduces the risk of frost heave, which can push the roots out of the soil during winter freeze-thaw cycles. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch made from straw, shredded leaves, or bark is ideal.
In the spring, you can remove the mulch once the ground starts to warm up.
5. Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning your mums during the growing season will help them become bushier and produce more blooms. In early summer, you can pinch back the stems of your mums to encourage fuller growth. This involves removing about one-third of the plant’s height when it reaches 6 to 8 inches tall. You can do this again when they grow another 6 inches. Stop pinching by mid-July to allow flower buds to form for the fall.
After the blooms have faded in late fall, resist the urge to prune them back completely. Leave the stems intact throughout winter, as they provide some extra insulation for the plant’s base. You can cut them back to the ground once new growth starts to emerge in the spring.
6. Get Them in the Ground Quickly
One of the most important things you can do is to get your mums planted in the ground as soon as you get them. Mums left in their pots can dry out quickly and won’t establish the root system they need to survive the winter. Unlike mums from big box stores that are often root-bound and grown more for temporary aesthetics, our mums at Old Country Gardens are designed for garden longevity. Planting them quickly ensures they can take advantage of the fall season to grow strong, healthy roots.
Why Old Country Gardens Mums are Different
At Old Country Gardens, we pride ourselves on offering Cold Hardy Mums that are grown to thrive year after year in your garden. Unlike the flashy, short-lived varieties you’ll find elsewhere, our mums are well-balanced, not root-bound, and bred specifically to survive the Delaware winters. They’re ready to be planted in your garden, where they’ll reward you with gorgeous blooms season after season.
By choosing the right mums and following these care tips, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of chrysanthemums not just this year, but for many years to come.
Ready to plant mums that will last? Visit Old Country Gardens today to pick up your Cold Hardy Mums and other fall favorites!
