Mums 101
August 2018 by Shelley Corey, Owner of The Mum Farm
Yet another summer season has flown by and we’re on to my favorite season of all! Everyone looks forward to the spectacular display of fall colors and with that comes the bright, showy displays of mums that seem to pop up in everyones' yard. Mums have become popular because they’re so darn easy!
Let’s discuss buying and what to look for. Just for the record…mum is a shortened word for chrysanthemum and here’s little information about the plants. Mums are photo-periodic, meaning that they set buds and come into bloom naturally with shortening daylengths. The plant produces only one set of buds which turn into one set of blossoms, unlike annuals that rebloom throughout the summer season. They prefer to be in full, or at least afternoon sun and when purchased just beginning to show color, will bloom for anywhere from 8-10 weeks which is determined by seasonal temperatures and how consistently they are watered. They often cannot be overwatered. Mums are grown in a pot that drains excess water.
When you head out to buy mums you need to have a purpose in mind…do you need a plant that is in full color for a party or wedding? Or one that is just starting to show? If you are having a wedding or a party and need "full bloom" mums for a certain date, you need to buy your mums at that stage. Mums typically open up very slowly and there is nothing anyone can do to rush this process. They tend to only respond to Mother Nature! If purchased close to full bloom for a wedding you can expect them to still be colorful for a few more weeks as they begin to fully mature. Make sure you consult your grower when buying mums for a specific date.
Most consumers will be looking for a mum plant that is just beginning to bloom to ensure that their mum lasts the entire fall season. It’s tempting to buy the mum with the most open blossoms for instant gratification, but only do that if you need them for a certain date.
When mums start to show color (have open blossoms) it is important to stop watering them over the blossoms. Rain is a natural thing, but daily watering over the blossoms will make the mum blossoms fade much faster. So make sure you water into the pot. You cannot overwater mums as long as the pot has drainage. Stressing your mum by letting it wilt repeatedly will shorten its life also. The season will pass too quickly to have your colorful mum blossoms die before their time. With proper purchasing of your mums, you should have six to 10 weeks of enjoyment from them. They love the cool fall weather and will last until the temperatures dip well below freezing
To recap; choose mums for the purpose you need, keep in full sunshine until at least 1/2 open and then they can be placed in shade if that’s where you’d like to display them, do not allow them to wilt, and water often. If you use these easy to remember tips, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, showy display of fall mums! You now have completed Mums 101, have a fabulous fall, and smile, it’s mum time!