When should you buy fall mums?

{two} Mums are a cool season fall flowering perennial so the best time to purchase them is mid-September when the temperatures start to drop. Many growers force the plants to grow early so they look pretty displayed in the big box stores.

How long do fall mums last?

Early bloomers often begin flowering in late July, early fall bloomers show off blooms in September and late fall bloomers start their stunning display of colors in October. Each variety differs, but most mums will continue to bloom for four to eight weeks.

Is it better to buy mums that haven't bloomed?

You should soon see new growth appearing from the roots if your plant is still alive. For either type of mum, when picking out plants to buy, choose mums that are still budding and not in full bloom. You'll be able to enjoy their flowers longer this way.

How long do fall mums last outside?

Depending on weather conditions and mum varieties, you can expect to get a good display of color for four to six weeks. Extended periods of hot weather will age the flowers more quickly.

Can mums survive the winter in pots?

With potted mums, the first key is to never let them endure a freeze in their pot or container. Mums can survive light frosts and cold fairly easy, but a hard freeze can kill roots in pots permanently.

When should I buy fall mums?

Which mums last the longest?

But, if you want the show to last its longest, select mums that still have lots of closed buds. The more flowers there are yet to bloom, the longer the color show will last on your deck, patio, porch, or in your yard.

Is it too late to buy mums?

Mid-September is the earliest time you should consider buying mums. However, each year the longer and hotter summers are pushing that date later and later into September, even into the month of October. As a rule, we at Southern Living recommend "buying plants as they start to break bud. You'll maximize bloom time.

Do potted mums come back every year?

You will have some buds on them by then, but don't worry. They will grow back and your plant won't look dead in the middle." Many people buy mums in the fall thinking the plants are annuals. These people toss the mums in the trash once the blooms have faded.

How do you keep fall mums looking good?

My number three tip for keeping mums looking great is to make sure they have sufficient water. All the tips are important, but this one is probably the most important. Mums like to be moist, so don't let them dry out. Once you have your mums home, immediately check to see if they are moist, if not, give them a drink.

How do you keep mums blooming all fall?

How do you winterize mums?

Winter Care for Potted Mums

But plants that are growing in containers don't have this protection. To avoid exposing container-grown plants to freezing temperatures, you'll need to overwinter them indoors. Before moving them, repot your plants into slightly larger containers.

How do you care for fall mums outside?

How long do potted mums last indoors?

Mums are spectacular fall plants that can be brought indoors and used for decorating. Caring for mums indoors is easy and with only a few tips you can keep a mum plant healthy for three to four weeks. They are a big bang for your buck as they are less expensive than most bouquets of flowers.

What is the lowest temperature mums can survive?

Different Types of Mums

Given that plants in Zone 5 can withstand temperatures to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (and plants in Zone 3 can survive temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit), these mums' frost tolerance is pretty high.

Can fall mums be planted outside?

Garden mums are tough perennials you plant outdoors where they can live year round. Florist mums are used as indoor potted plants and won't survive a winter if you plunk them into your garden in the Midwest.

How often do you need to water potted mums?

Don't let your mums get too dry or wilt between waterings. Water your potted mums at least every other day. They like to get about 1 inch of water per week. Water at the soil level (the base of the plant) and not on top of the foliage.

Can I plant mums in September?

If you live in Zones 5 to 9, where the mum is naturally hardy, the best way to overwinter your mums is by planting them in the ground by late September. In most areas they won't need any extra winter protection, but in Zone 5 it's a good idea to put down a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the plants.

Can mums survive frost?

Most garden mums should be able to endure a light fall frost. Cover the plants at night when freeze warnings are in effect. To keep the plant attractive and healthy, snip off any dead blossoms as soon as they wilt.

Can you plant grocery store mums?

Keep them evenly moist — don't ever let them dry out. Keep them cool — good air circulation is important. At first sign of yellowing of leaves (usually from the bottom of the plant), rush the plant outdoors and plant it in the garden, into its permanent spot.

How do you get mums to come back every year?

“Planting them now is the trick,” Waterman said. “You can't take a mum out of the pot in October and shove it in the ground and think it will come next year. You have to plant them now to get them established so they make it through the winter.”

Can you keep mums alive indoors?

Plant mums in containers with fresh, well-drained potting media. Mums like moist, but not overly wet soil. Place them in an area that provides bright, but filtered light. When growing mums indoors, as opposed to outdoors, direct sunlight can harm them.

Are fall mums annuals or perennials?

Garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are perennial mums. Cut-flower chrysanthemums, like spider mums or football mums, are perennials in Zones 5 to 9, and these types are becoming easier to find for sale online.