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Answers to the Top 4 Questions Everyone Is Asking about Fall Mums

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fall mums

Chrysanthemums, more commonly referred to as "mums," are a top choice for any fall garden. Mums are a go-to way to keep up the color in your yard as summer draws to a close because of their bright beauty and hardiness through the fall season. However, there are a few things to note to keep these stunners making a splash in your yard this fall, even after your more delicate summer flowers are beginning to fade away.

Don't let uncertainty about mums scare you away from your fall garden goals. The pros at Spring Green have all the answers to your top questions right here at your disposal.

Here's the need-to-know about mums to keep your yard looking spectacular this fall and all year round.

Everything You Need to Know about Fall Mums


1. Does it even make sense to plant mums so late in the year? In a word, yes! While other flowering plants in your yard are fading away for the winter, mums are a powerhouse of color and vibrancy that can last through the fall season. They aren't bothered by the cooler temperatures during the fall. In fact, their colors get bolder, and their blossoms will typically last until the first extreme frost.

2. How exactly do I care for my mums? Caring for flowers is not hard, but it may require expanding your vocabulary! Master these terms and your mums will flourish throughout late summer and fall.

  • Pinching – By pinching off the top of the plant, you’ll gain a sturdy, bushier plant with lots of blooms. The rule of thumb for pinching is about one to two inches at a rate of every three to four weeks until early July in cooler climates and the end of July in warmer climates.
  • Deadheading – Not as brutal as it sounds, deadheading refers to a routine gardening chore that helps your plants thrive. It is the removal of dead or fading flowers from living plants and is a critical step for your mum's success in your yard, especially if you live in a warmer climate. For those living in cold areas, the arrival of the first frost typically makes this step unnecessary.
  • Feeding – Not a new term, but one to keep top of mind to ensure your mum's success. Mums are heavy feeders that require rich soil to thrive in changing weather. You should feed your mums every three to four weeks to improve flowering results.
3. Do mums come back year after year? Mums are considered tender perennials, which means whether they come back year after year is dependent on when they were planted. If planted in spring or summer, they are likely to overwinter and become perennials. It is still possible for your mums to be perennials if planted in the fall, and if temps are warmer when they set their roots. If planted later in the year when temps are colder, they may only last one year and not come back the next.

4. What types of mums are there? Many varieties of mums exist, all beautiful, but with different attributes. Let’s examine a few popular gardening goals, and which types of mums can help best accomplish them.
  • Make a statement – The spider mum is a stunner, standing over three feet tall with reddish blossoms made up of long, narrow petals demanding to be noticed.
  • Add bold color – Plant the Jessica mum, with bright yellow blossoms of flat, full petals to add a splash of color to any yard.
  • Add function and beauty – The French Vanilla mum is a classic favorite with big white flowers that add classic elegance, but also work perfectly when creating a mixed border or cutting garden.
  • Overcome the cold temps – If you live in a colder climate, the Minnautumn mum varietal is a great cold-hardy choice for you, and its vivid reddish-bronze flowers are showstoppers.


The best mum's bloom schedules will vary based on the type of mum you're caring for and your climate, but the best time to plant these bright, bold beauties generally falls between September and October. In other words, grab those gardening gloves – it’s time to plant your fall mums!

For more information on caring for your lawn and landscape, visit our lawn care guide or contact your local lawn care, tree care, and pest control professional at Spring Green today.