Prepare your porch for the season’s favorite blooms.
There’s something in the aircan you feel it?
Autumn is on its way.
Credit: Wanchanta / Getty Images
Alongside those seasonal pumpkins and wreaths are pots of gold and orange sunset-colored blooms.
During fall, one flower is king, and that’s the chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums, have long been a favorite flower in autumn.
Nothing ushers in autumn like mums. Slip them between the coleus from your summer pots for a big show of color.Credit: Photo: Van Chaplin
What’s the Best Time To Buy Mums?
The best time to purchase mums is after the height of the summer swelter has fully passed.
This time is usually when the temperatures start to drop steadily and will reliably remain low.
In particular, it’s when the night temperatures begin to sink.
When this temperature drop occurs, you know fall is here, and it’s time for mums.
Mid-September is the earliest time you should consider buying.
However, the longer and hotter summers each year push that date into late September, even into October.
How To Know When Mums Are Ready?
You’ll maximize bloom time.
Garden centers usually group like selections together."
Also, inspect mums for broken branches before purchasing to ensure healthy blooms.
These plants easily break when crowded, so broken branches may never bloom.
Once buds start to open, you’re pretty much guaranteed flowersno matter where you display them.
Avoid Wilting Blooms
Generally, you won’t see much new or continued growth for wilted blooms.
Wilting comes up whenever mums don’t receive enough water, but overwatering can also damage these flowers.
What To Do if You Want To Grow Mums?
To see these autumn-favorites show correctly, you must plant mums in the spring.
According to theFarmer’s Almanac, a spring planting season allows mums time to “put down roots.”
Do All Mums Bloom at the Same Time?
These designations determine when to expect the best showing for your chosen mums.
The early fall bloomers typically arrive in September, and flowering continues into October.
Plant mums earlynot too deepand water deeply.
After, mulch to help plants retain moisture and for protection from colder temperatures.
Use a granular, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and early summer.
