Tips for Taking Care of Mums

Mums are the perfect way to bring autumn colors to your porch or garden, but to keep them looking vibrant all season, a little care goes a long way. Whether you’ve just picked some up or already have them in your garden, here are my top tips for caring for mums.

1. Soak Them When You Bring Them Home

When you first bring your mums home, give them a good soak. Place the pot in a bucket or sink filled with water and let the roots absorb the moisture for about 30 minutes. This ensures they’re hydrated and ready to thrive in their new spot.

2. Find the Right Spot

Mums need plenty of sunlight, so pick a spot where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. They can handle some shade, but for the best blooms, full sunlight is ideal. If you're placing them on a porch, make sure they aren’t sitting in too much shade throughout the day.

3. Water Consistently

Mums prefer moist but not soggy soil. It’s important to keep them watered consistently, especially after you’ve soaked them. Make sure the top inch of soil stays moist, and water as soon as it starts to feel dry. However, don’t let them sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. Water on the sides of the plant, directly into the soil, not over the flowers.

4. Deadhead for Continuous Blooms

To keep your mums looking their best and encourage more blooms, regularly remove dead or fading flowers. This process, known as deadheading, helps the plant focus on producing new blooms. Just pinch off the wilted flowers near the base, and new blooms will follow.

5. Spray with Thieves Cleaner

For a low-tox, natural option to keep your mums healthy, I like to spray mine with Thieves cleaner. It helps protect the plants from pests while keeping things natural and chemical-free. You can dilute Thieves cleaner with water in a spray bottle and give the plants a light mist.

6. Provide Good Drainage

Good drainage is key for mums. Whether they’re in a pot or planted in the ground, make sure the soil doesn’t stay too wet. If you’re planting them in containers, use pots with drainage holes and well-draining potting soil. In the garden, mixing in some compost or sand helps improve drainage.

By following these simple tips, your mums can stay fresh and full of color all season long. Whether you’re brightening up your porch or adding autumn charm to your garden, taking care of mums is easy with a little extra attention and care. Plus, adding that Thieves cleaner spray gives you a natural, low-tox way to protect your plants!

Do you have mums in the fall? What’s your favorite color to put on your porch? This year I have purple and white!

XO

Sarah