Tips That Help Your Store-Bought Mums Last All Through The Fall Season

When it comes to fall florals, few flowers steal the show like chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.). These eye-catching flowers bloom in the summer and fall, with flowers in warm colors like orange, yellow, red, and pink. As a result, you may find yourself drawn to mums while out shopping — especially the annual florist mums common at grocery stores and big box retailers during the holiday season. It's hard to resist the urge to add at least one pot to your cart to show off at your next fall gathering. Unfortunately, whether you're planning the perfect fall-inspired porch or need to liven up your holiday tablescape, it's not uncommon to find those full, show-stopping blooms that were so vibrant in store have faded away a few weeks later.

To keep your chrysanthemums blooming as long as possible, it all starts with picking the right plants — ideally, ones that have yet to bloom — at the store. From there, you need to know how to properly care for your mums. They need the right amount of water and sunlight, and their dead flowers should be removed. Although it can be easy to keep perennial mums alive year-round thanks to their overall hardiness, keeping their annual cousins in bloom long enough to enjoy their colors all fall can be challenging. For new or seasonal gardeners, it's far from impossible with the right care. Don't give up on a full season of beautiful mum blooms just yet — these plants just need more TLC and patience than you may be used to giving your fall annuals.

If your goal is to help your store-bought annual chrysanthemums stay in bloom all fall, picking a plant that hasn't yet bloomed can feel counterproductive. However, purchasing mums with unopened blooms can be the key to enjoying your flowers for longer — so long as you're okay with waiting a little longer for that splash of color in your space. On average, chrysanthemums bloom for four to eight weeks, and landing at the longer end of this spectrum involves giving your plant proper care. When you choose a mum that's already showing off its beautiful flowers, some time has already ticked away. You also can't control the care it receives at the store, which could also reduce the plant's longevity.

When it comes to getting the most out of your fall mums, what's even more important than picking one that hasn't bloomed yet is choosing a healthy plant. If your mum is showing signs of trouble at the store, such as lackluster or brown foliage or too-dry soil, it may not thrive once you bring it home. You might be able to enjoy the flowers for a little while, but they likely won't survive the entirety of fall. Note, too, that there are different chrysanthemum species and cultivars to consider when picking out the perfect store-bought plant. Some plants bloom earlier in the year than others; you want to choose a mum that's known for its long-lasting fall blooms.

To enjoy blooms throughout the fall, your potted chrysanthemum needs to be healthy. Learning how to water your mums properly is essential for long-lasting color, and it involves giving them the right amount of water at the right time and in the right way. Annual chrysanthemums prefer well-draining, moist soil, but soil that is too wet can do more harm than good. The exact amount of water your plant needs each week can vary depending on several factors, including sunlight exposure hours and daily temperature. Before you water your mum, check the first inch or so of soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it's a good indicator that your plant needs some hydration. You can lift the pot off the ground. If it feels light, the soil is likely too dry.

Once you've learned how to recognize when your chrysanthemums need a hydrating pick-me-up, you can focus on optimal watering. Potted mums need more water than in-ground plants, and each time you water, you need to fully saturate the soil. Don't be afraid to soak your chrysanthemum. Just ensure that the pot has good drainage and the plant isn't left sitting in a pool of water after watering. Keep its leaves and flowers away from moisture. Mums usually do best when they're bottom-watered — watered at the soil level — rather than having water poured or sprayed on their fragile foliage and blooms.

Sunlight can also play a big role in the longevity of your chrysanthemum's flowering season. Too much sun can leave your mums dried-out and looking lackluster, which negatively affects bloom production. On the other hand, a plant growing in too much shade will also struggle to produce eye-catching blooms. Balance is key — it's best to place your mums in an area that gets a healthy mix of morning sunlight for strong blooms with enough afternoon shade to keep the soil consistently moist. Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.

These tips will keep your chrysanthemums healthy and encourage blooms, but will they ensure the plants keep blooming all fall? To achieve this, you need to pay particular attention to sunlight hours. When a mum receives lots of light without getting too dry, it's likely to bloom quicker. This is great if you want an abundance of short-lived color, but it may result in fewer flowers later in the season. Instead, place your potted mums somewhere with partial shade. They'll get enough sunlight for healthy growth and steady blooming without risking wilting or a sudden, single burst of flowering.

A little bit of work goes a long way for blooming chrysanthemums all fall long. Deadheading in the garden is a must for these plants. When you remove flowers that are past their prime, as well as any foliage that's looking under the weather, your plant can put its energy into producing more blooms rather than sustaining those that have seen better days. This can lead to a longer blooming season in annual mums.

It may sound intimidating, but don't let the idea of snipping flowers (and possibly also foliage) off your prized plant frighten you. Deadheading is a simple process, and it's a skill worth learning if you plan to continue growing chrysanthemums or other flowers. You can use your fingers to pinch off spent blooms, or you can use a pair of sanitized shears to avoid spreading disease. Regardless of which tool you use, deadheading is hassle-free. Simply pluck or cut off the faded flower heads so that your mum can focus its energy elsewhere — like producing the continuous fall blooms you so desire.