Don't Make This Mistake With Fall Mums (Like I Almost Did!)
Don't Make This Mistake With Fall Mums (Like I Almost Did!)
Fall is here, and everywhere you look, there are gorgeous mums calling your name. I get it - I was standing in the store yesterday, totally tempted by those beautiful blooms. But then I remembered what happened to my mums last year.
I bought six stunning mums in early September. I was so excited to put them on my front porch for fall decorating. But by October, they looked terrible. The flowers were done, the plants were ugly, and I felt frustrated. "I wasted my money again.”.
Here's the thing - it wasn't my fault. I just didn't know the "mum secrets" that make all the difference.
The Truth About Fall Mums (That Stores Don't Tell You)
Those beautiful mums at the store seem like they should last all fall, right? Here's what's really happening:
Mums only bloom for 4-6 weeks
They're grown to bloom right now (not later)
Once they stop blooming, that's it - no more flowers
They don't usually come back next year
Think of mums like a beautiful bouquet that lasts longer. They're seasonal decorations, not permanent garden plants.
Why Your Mums Might Be Struggling
Are they getting enough sun? Mums need lots of sunlight to bloom well. If you put them in a shady spot, they'll stay green but won't give you those gorgeous flowers you want.
Are you buying too early? I know it's tempting when you see them in August. But if you buy mums too early, they'll be finished blooming by October. That means no pretty flowers for fall or Thanksgiving!
Are they getting enough water? This is the big one. Mums are thirsty plants. If they dry out, they get ugly fast. And once they're stressed, there's no going back.
When to Actually Buy Your Mums
Here's my simple timing trick:
Think about when you want your mums to look their best. Fall festival? Thanksgiving dinner? Family photos in October?
Count back 2-3 weeks from that date. That's when you should buy your mums.
For example:
Want gorgeous mums for Halloween? Buy them the first week of October
Having Thanksgiving guests? Buy them early November
Just want pretty fall decorations? Wait until late September
How to Pick the Right Mums
For this weekend's party: Choose mums in full bloom. They look amazing right now but won't last long.
For next week's event: Pick plants with a mix of flowers and buds.
For long-lasting fall decorations: Choose mums that are mostly buds. They'll last the longest and give you the most bang for your buck.
Keep Your Mums Happy (It's Easier Than You Think)
Give them sun. At least 6 hours a day if possible.
Water them daily. Seriously. They're thirsty plants. Stick your finger in the soil - if it feels dry, water them.
Don't let them dry out. This is the number one mum killer. Dried-out mums look terrible and won't recover.
Pinch off dead flowers. This keeps them looking tidy and might give you a few more blooms.
What About Planting Them in the Ground?
You can absolutely plant mums in your garden beds. Just remember:
They still need lots of water
They still only bloom for 4-6 weeks
They probably won't come back next year ( I have one to two that do every year)
Treat them like annual flowers, not perennials
My Honest Take on Mums
Look, I'll be straight with you. Mums aren't my favorite flower. They can be frustrating if you don't know what to expect.
But here's why I still use them every fall: They're the symbol of autumn. They're everywhere, they're affordable, and when you time them right, they're absolutely gorgeous.
The key is knowing what you're buying. You're not buying a permanent garden plant. You're buying 4-6 weeks of beautiful fall color. And when you think of it that way, they're actually a pretty good deal!
Don't Feel Bad About "Wasting" Money
If you've bought mums before and felt disappointed, it's not your fault. Most people don't know these timing secrets. Even garden centers don't always explain how mums really work.
Now that you know, you can make smart choices about when and how to use mums in your fall decorating.
The Bottom Line
Mums can be amazing when you:
Buy them at the right time
Give them sun and water
Know what to expect
They can be frustrating when you:
Buy them too early
Put them in the shade
Let them dry out
Expect them to be permanent plants
Want gorgeous fall mums this year? Wait a few more weeks, pick a sunny spot, keep them watered, and enjoy 4-6 weeks of beautiful autumn color. Your future self will thank you!
