Are you a fan of chrysanthemums? These vibrant autumn flowers can brighten up any space with their colorful blooms.
But wouldn’t it be great if you could make those gorgeous flowers last even longer?
Well, you’re in luck! We’ve got some fantastic tips to help you extend the flowering period of your potted mums.
Let’s dive in and discover how to keep your chrysanthemums blooming beautifully well into the fall season!
1. Choose Wisely: Start with Mostly Closed Buds
When you’re shopping for potted mums, resist the temptation to grab the plants with fully open flowers. Instead, opt for plants with mostly closed buds. This simple choice can make a big difference in how long your mums will bloom.
Why does this work? Plants with closed buds have more potential for a longer blooming period. As the buds open gradually, you’ll enjoy a continuous display of fresh flowers. It’s like having a flower show that unfolds day by day in your own home or garden!
2. Provide Shelter: Protect from Rain and Sun
Your mums may love the outdoors, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. Excessive rain and direct sunlight can actually shorten the lifespan of your chrysanthemum blooms. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix!
Find a spot that offers partial shade for your potted mums. A covered porch or a area under a tree can be perfect. This shelter will protect the delicate flowers from heavy rain that could wash out their vibrant colors. It’ll also shield them from intense sunlight that might speed up the blooming cycle.
3. Keep it Moist: Consistent Watering is Key
Chrysanthemums are thirsty plants, especially when they’re blooming their hearts out. Letting the soil dry out can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. Nobody wants that! So, how do you keep your mums happy and hydrated?
Make watering a daily ritual, particularly during hot spells. Stick your finger into the soil – if it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water. A good soak until water runs out the drainage holes will do the trick. Your mums will thank you with a longer-lasting floral display!
4. Deadhead Regularly: Remove Spent Blooms
Don’t be shy about playing plant stylist with your mums! Removing faded or dead flowers, a process known as deadheading, is like giving your plant a mini makeover. It’s not just about keeping your mums looking tidy – it actually encourages more blooms.
How does it work? When you remove spent flowers, you’re telling the plant, “Hey, your job’s not done yet!” This prompts the plant to produce more flowers in an attempt to complete its life cycle. So grab those pruning shears and get snipping for a bushier, more floriferous plant!
5. Feed for Blooms: Use Phosphorus-Rich Fertilizer
Just like us, plants need the right nutrition to perform their best. For mums, that means a diet rich in phosphorus when they’re in their blooming phase. Phosphorus is the nutrient responsible for flower production, so it’s crucial for keeping those blooms coming.
Look for a liquid fertilizer with a higher middle number in the N-P-K ratio (that’s the phosphorus). Apply it when watering, following the package instructions. This bloom-boosting meal will give your mums the energy they need to keep flowering prolifically.
6. Beat the Frost: Protect from Freezing Temperatures
As much as we’d like our mums to bloom forever, Jack Frost can put a swift end to the show. But don’t let chilly weather catch you off guard! Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to act when freezing temperatures are on the horizon.
If you have potted mums, you’re in luck – they’re mobile! Simply bring them indoors or to a sheltered area like a garage when frost threatens. For garden mums, consider covering them with a cloth or frost blanket overnight. A little protection can go a long way in extending your mum’s blooming season.
7. Plan for Prolonged Beauty: Choose Varieties with Staggered Bloom Times
Want to enjoy mums all season long? It’s all about smart planning! When selecting your chrysanthemums, mix it up with varieties that have different bloom times. This strategy can extend your overall flowering season significantly.
Look for early, mid-season, and late-blooming varieties. Plant them together, and you’ll have a continuous parade of colors from late summer through fall. It’s like orchestrating your own autumn symphony, with waves of blooms taking center stage at different times!
8. Practice Patience: Pinch Early Summer Buds
Sometimes, to get more, you need to do less. It might seem counterintuitive, but pinching off early summer flower buds can lead to a more spectacular fall show. This technique is all about playing the long game with your mums.
When you see those first buds forming in early summer, resist the urge to let them bloom. Instead, pinch them off. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce more buds. The result? A fuller plant with a heavier flush of blooms when autumn rolls around. It’s well worth the wait!
9. Give Them Space: Ensure Good Air Circulation
Your mums need room to breathe! Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, which in turn can invite fungal diseases. These unwelcome guests can significantly shorten your mum’s blooming period. But fear not, there’s a simple solution.
When planting or arranging your potted mums, give each plant enough space. A good rule of thumb is to space them about 18-24 inches apart. This allows air to flow freely between the plants, reducing humidity and the risk of disease. Your mums will be healthier, happier, and bloom for longer!
