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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.
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.
Are mums out yet?
When are mums in season? Many mums bloom throughout the fall months, but some species will provide blooms from late spring through the fall. In some cases, mum season varies according to the vagaries of the weather.
What month do mums come out?
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.
Should you buy mums that haven’t bloomed yet?
If you just can’t wait, try to buy ones that haven’t “blossomed” all the way yet. Full bloomed mums are so pretty, but if you want your mums to last until Thanksgiving or even longer, pick up ones that aren’t full yet. Mums love the cooler weather and don’t like hot weather so much.
Is it too early to plant mums?
If you’re using a mum as a perennial, plant in early spring, or in the fall at least six weeks before the first killing frost. If you’re using chrysanthemums for a pop of fall color to boost your late season garden, plant them when they’re blooming in later summer or early fall and treat them as annuals.
Can I keep mums in pots over the winter?
Overwinter your mums in pots. If you’re not ready to give up your beautiful fall blooms, you can overwinter mums in pots as long as they’re hardy mums. Fall-blooming mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, and they’re often grown in pots as annuals in other zones.
How long do potted mums last outside?
Garden mums may be grown in containers, or planted in beds with existing shrubs and flowers. Flowers generally last about two or three weeks, depending on the outdoor temperatures and how far along the blooming process was when the plants were purchased.
How long do mums last outside?
Mums that are on special with fully open flowers are OK to buy, but be aware that they will not last as long in your garden. 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.
Should you cut back mums in the spring?
As mums begin to grow through the spring and into summer, they’re going to start producing buds. To get the most out of a mum, it’s best to prune those buds, pinching them back until the time comes to let the plants develop new leaves, branches, and flowers. That way they’ll look gorgeous next fall.
Can you plant fall mums in the ground?
Technically, however, they can be planted in your garden any time before the first frost of fall. This means you can try removing the mums from your pot and planting them in the ground in the fall. Plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot and water them thoroughly after planting.
How do I save my potted mums for next year?
Keep mums indoors until one week before the last expected spring frost. At that time, take the pot outdoors to its summer location for two or three hours, then bring it back indoors to its winter location. Each day, bring the pot outdoors and leave it there for an hour or so longer each time.
How do I raise my mums for sale?
Fall garden mums are best produced outdoors or in an uncovered greenhouse with proper irrigation. Temperature and humidity levels are often too high in a covered greenhouse for many cultivars. Cool night temperatures promote early flowering of garden mums while very warm night temperatures can delay flowering.
Will potted mums bloom again?
A: They won’t flower again this year, but should next fall. You can keep them in containers or plant them in the garden in an organically enriched, well-draining soil and in five to six hours of sun. Since the blooms have faded, cut the plants back to 2 inches above ground and mulch heavily.
Are mums annual or perennial?
Though technically perennials, mums are often grown as annuals owing to shallow root systems inclined to heave right out of the ground during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.
How do I buy mums?
You typically find them for sale in pretty pots at your local florist or the indoor-plant section of your local garden center or grocery store. Grow garden mums outdoors in a spot that sees full sun and has moist, but well-drained soil.
