If you’re wondering when can i plant mums in the ground, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important factor for their success, and the best time for planting depends on a few key things.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the ideal seasons, how to prepare, and how to care for your mums so they come back year after year.
When Can I Plant Mums In The Ground
For the strongest, most perennial mums, the absolute best time to plant is in the spring. This gives the plant a full growing season to establish a robust root system before winter hits. However, you often see mums sold in full bloom in the fall, and you can plant them then, too—it just requires a different approach.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each season so you can make the best choice for your garden.
Spring Planting: The Gold Standard
Planting mums in the spring is highly recommended. The soil is warming up, and rainfall is usually plentiful. This creates perfect conditions for root growth.
The plant will focus on getting established underground instead of putting energy into flowers. By the time fall arrives, your mum will be a strong, healthy plant ready to produce an amazing display of blooms and survive the cold.
- Root Establishment: The plant develops a deep, extensive root system.
- Stress Tolerance: Well-established plants handle summer heat and winter cold much better.
- Increased Hardiness: Spring-planted mums are far more likely to be true perennials in your garden.
Fall Planting: The Popular Choice
Fall is when garden centers are overflowing with beautiful, flowering mums. It’s tempting to buy and plant them for instant color. You can successfully plant mums in the fall, but you need to be strategic.
The key is to get them in the ground as early as possible in the fall season—ideally as soon as you see them for sale in late August or early September. The goal is to give the roots at least six weeks to settle in before your first hard frost.
- Instant Color: You get immediate beauty for your autumn garden.
- Must Plant Early: Don’t wait until late October; the plant won’t have time to establish.
- Extra Winter Care: Fall-planted mums need more protection to make it through their first winter.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Mums are often sold as “disposable” seasonal decor, but they are naturally hardy perennials. The difference between a mum that dies over winter and one that returns for years is almost always its root establishment.
A pot-bound, blooming mum planted in late fall has no time to grow roots beyond its original root ball. When the ground freezes, it can’t access water and essentially dies of thirst. Giving it time to grow roots is the secret.
How to Plant Mums for Success
Once you’ve chosen your planting time, doing it correctly is the next step. Follow these steps to give your mums a great start.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Mums need full sun to thrive and produce the most flowers. Aim for a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require well-draining soil. They hate having “wet feet,” which leads to root rot.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the pot the mum came in and just as deep. This loosens the soil around the plant, making it easy for roots to expand. Mix some compost or aged manure into the soil you removed. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
Step 3: Planting Correctly
- Gently remove the mum from its pot. If the roots are tightly wound (pot-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers.
- Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Don’t plant it to deep.
- Backfill the hole with your amended soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Step 4: Initial Aftercare
Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks while the plant settles in. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Just keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems.
Caring for Mums Through the Seasons
Ongoing care is simple but makes a huge difference in the health and longevity of your plants.
Watering and Feeding
Mums like consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid frequent shallow watering. In the spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one with a higher nitrogen content to encourage green growth. You can switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus as buds form in late summer to support blooming.
The Secret to Bushy Plants: Pinching
To prevent tall, leggy mums that flop over, you need to pinch them back. This encourages branching and a compact, full shape. Start in late spring when the stems are about 6 inches tall.
- Use your fingers or pruners to remove about 1 inch of the growing tip from each stem.
- Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks until early July. Stop pinching around the Fourth of July to allow flower buds to form for fall.
Winter Protection for New Plants
For mums planted in the current year (especially in fall), winter protection is crucial. After the foliage dies back from a hard frost, you can cut the stems down to about 2 inches above the ground.
Pile on a thick layer of loose mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, over the crown of the plant. This insulates it from freezing and thawing cycles. Remove the mulch in early spring after the danger of hard frost has passed.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.
- Leggy Growth & Few Flowers: This is usually due to not enough sun or not pinching back the plants. Move them to a sunnier spot next season and be diligent with your pinching schedule.
- Center of Plant Dies Out: Mums can get woody in the center. Every 2-3 years, in the spring, dig up the clump, divide it into smaller sections with healthy roots and shoots, and replant. This rejuvenates the plant.
- Wilting or Rotting: Almost always a sign of poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure the planting site drains well and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
FAQ: Your Mum Planting Questions Answered
Can I plant potted mums in the ground in October?
You can, but it’s risky, especially in colder climates. If you do, plant them immediately and plan to provide heavy winter mulch. They may not return in the spring.
What is the best month to plant mums?
The best month varies by zone. In most areas, aim for April or May for spring planting. For fall planting, September is ideal.
Do mums come back every year?
Yes, chrysanthemums are perennial plants. With proper planting time, good site selection, and winter care, they will return reliably.
Should I cut back mums after they bloom?
It’s best to wait until after a hard frost has killed the foliage back. Then, you can cut the stems down to 2-3 inches above the ground before mulching for winter.
How much sun do mums need?
A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is essential. More sun (8+ hours) leads to sturdier plants and more profuse flowering.
Can I plant mums in the summer?
Planting in the heat of summer is stressful for any plant. If you must, choose a cool, cloudy day, water extremely well, and provide shade for the first week to help it cope.
By understanding the answer to “when can i plant mums in the ground,” you set the stage for a lifetime of autumn color. Remember, spring planting for strength, early fall planting for instant color with extra care, and always provide sun, good drainage, and a little seasonal attention. With these tips, your mums will be a vibrant, returning highlight in your garden for many seasons to come.