Tips to Keep Your Mums healthy & beautiful

Growing up, my family never decorated for fall. As a lover of all things floral, I fell in love with decorating with mums when Jay and I began dating. I have spent the last three years learning and growing mums for our pumpkin patch. Although I still have a lot of learning to do, here are a few tips to help keep your mum looking beautiful through the fall!

Tip #1: Mums, with their stunning array of vibrant colors, add a delightful touch to any fall display, making the shopping experience for them a joy. However, once mums start blooming, their time in full bloom is limited. To make the most of their beauty, it's best to select mums with buds that are just beginning to bloom or have very few buds that have already bloomed.

Tip #2: It's important to keep your mums well-watered as they require plenty of water to thrive. If you notice that the mums feel light when picking them up, it's a sign that they need more water. We recommend watering your mums twice daily, especially on warmer days. You can effectively water them by lifting the bottom foliage and watering from underneath. Another method is to use a watering globe or place a small pan underneath the mum and fill it with water, allowing the roots to absorb it through the small holes at the bottom of their pot. It's crucial to avoid watering over the blooms, as this can lead to rotting.

Tip #3: As your flowers bloom, it's important to remember that their beauty is temporary. When you notice the blooms starting to turn brown or look unhealthy, gently pinch them off in a process known as deadheading. This practice encourages the plant to redirect its energy to ensure the plant remains disease free, and continues to grows healthy and beautiful blooms.

Tip #4: As the crisp, cool air of fall approaches, it's crucial to keep an eye on the weather forecasts, especially for frost. Just like most plants, mums are sensitive to frost, which can lead to their demise. To protect your mums and pumpkins, consider covering them with a sheet or blanket through the night, especially when frost is predicted.