Mums, or Chrysanthemums, are the true stars of the fall season.
From porch steps to hanging baskets, their striking colors are hard to miss.
And hopefully, some good and scented luck!
Lets break down the comparison between garden and florist mums.
Once you give them the right conditions, theyll return every spring.
Florist Mums
The beautifulflorist mums are short-term flowershomeowners love for their vibrant colors.
They are perfect for temporarily decorating your space, but florist mums dont bloom yearly.
Both types of mums come in various colors, turning your space into a vibrant masterpiece.
The difference is in their longevity and your preferences.
Garden mums are your ride-or-dies if youre looking for long-term annual flowers.
When it comes to popularity, different mums steal the show in Eart Flowers Studio.
The Cushion mums, Malaysian mums, and Daisy varieties are the A-listers for my clients.
Those who prefer a unique look go for Spider and Quill mums with spiky petals.
And the Pom Pom mums are a classic choice for those who adore the fluffy flowers, adds Evis.
However, be mindful of living in hot, dry areas with scorching sun.
Fall is an ideal season for mums because the maximum sunlight is up to 8 hours.
Compost soilthat works for vegetables works for potted mums, too.
For mums youre planting outside, prepare a mixture of well-drained clay or sand-based soil, adds Evis.
The soil for Chrysanthemum should be moist but never soggy.
Water the garden mums when the soils top two inches look dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Mums thrive in temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
They do great when days are warm and nights are cool.
Evis says these changing weather conditions in fall help mums stay happier.
For garden mums, the rules are different.
Evis suggests applyinga slow-release fertilizer in spring every 6 to 8 weeks until July.
Do this to prepare mums for their pre-blooming phase and stop before their blooming time.
A sprinkle of dilute 5-10-5 fertilizer before the buds pop does the trick, she adds.
However, trim only the dead stems just above the ground.
If your mums are in the early blooms of mid-September, mid-June is a good time to cut them.
With October bloomers, you’ve got the option to wait until mid-July.
In that case, I suggest doing a light trim to stimulate new growth, explains Evis.
Overwintering
If your mums are a hardy variety, theyll handle winter like champs.
On the other hand,potted florist mums must be placed indoorsas the weather starts getting chilly.
If you want perennial mums, plant them in early spring.
If you want annual mums, plant them in early fall.
Sprinkle seeds over the tray by pinching them between your fingers.
Find a sunny spot to place the seed trays with well-drained potting mix.
As mentioned before, mum flowers adore sunlight.
Growing from seeds isnt the easiest method.
Typically, we start preparing for growing mums between February and March, says Evis.
Potted garden mums should always be placed outdoors.
Potted florist mums are annuals, while potted garden mums can be overwintered.
Garden mums return every spring, so theyre ideal for planting outdoors.
However, if you notice your flowers are root-bound, its time for repotting, says Evis.
So, when the birds start chirping and the sun warms up, thats your call to propagate mums.
Propagating by Division
Use a sharp tactile knife to divide mums from the existing pot into sections.
Once every section has roots, proceed with planting these divisions into new containers or holes in the garden.
Place them where you want them to thrive.
If youre planting in groups, keep them at least one foot apart.
Propagating via Stem Cuttings
If your mums arent ready to be divided, try cuttings.
Dip the cut section in root hormone and plant it in a mix of perlite with compost.
Wait a few weeks.
Once you spot the first leaves, transplant them into bigger pots or in your garden.
Good airflow and less moisture in their foliage help prevent diseases.
Spray fungicide as soon as you notice symptoms of sick mums.
Be mindful of fungus signs.
It spreads on wet leaves, not dry ones, adds Evis.
This will ensure the disease doesnt spread.
What Do I Do With Mums After They Bloom?
After your mums bloom, give them a little post-flower care.
Water them regularly, but be cautious not to overdo it.
A good post-blooming care routine will help your mums come back next year.
How Long Do Mums Last?
The longevity of mums depends on whether they are garden mums or florist mums.
Garden mums typically last for several weeks in the fall season.
On the other hand, florist mums are short-term flowers purchased in pots for indoor decoration.
They can last for a few weeks.
Should You Buy Mums That Have Bloomed or Not?
you’re free to enjoy their vibrant flowers right from the start.
