There isn’t much we don’t love about fall, in fact, we can’t think of a single solitary thing right now, and something we absolutely look forward to each and every year is decorating outdoors. What’s not to love about pumpkins, fall blankets, cornstalks, and, of course, mums? But if you’ve ever gotten all of your mums home and perfectly placed just where you want them, only to discover that they’re now looking droopy and on the brink of death, then you know how aggravating potted mums can be. We’re happy to report that those days are long gone because we have some tips and tricks that will keep those potted mums looking fresh and full all spooky season-long.
First things first, it’s not a contest, so take your time buying mums. These beauties thrive in daytime temperatures in the 60s and below. Don’t get us wrong, we’re human and we’re just as tempted as the next person to start buying them the moment greenhouses start putting them out, but buying them in the late-summer versus early to mid-fall means you probably won’t get to admire them as long into the cooler months.
When you’re shopping for your mums pay attention to the green parts. You’ll want to take home plants that have deep, green healthy leaves and more buds than blooms. We know that a plant with a ton of buds on it can come across as underwhelming, but trust us on this one, you’ll want to be the one to experience and enjoy the blooms that are sure to come.
Make sure to repot your mums once you get them home. The plastic containers they come in don’t allow your plant room to grow, this is also referred to as your plant being root bound. You can transplant your mums easily by taking them out of the plastic container, jostling the roots a little, placing your plant in its new home, then filling the new planter with soil. This is also a great way to add a little something extra to your porch, curb, or wherever you place your mums.
Mums love water and they do not fare well in dry soil, so make sure you’re keeping your mums moist so they stay looking picture perfect. If you have a saucer lying around that you aren’t actively using, we recommend putting a little water in it, then placing your plant in the saucer so the roots can absorb water as they need it. If you don’t have one, you can nab them for under a couple of bucks at just about any store with a gardening section.
As the blooms turn brown, go ahead and just clip those suckers right off. The plant will look better, it will last longer, and there’s a chance the bloom will repeat.