fall mum

Mums come in hundreds of varieties, adding a rainbow of color for fall when spring annuals are slowly fading in the garden. Plants blooms 4-6 weeks on average, and there are different varieties for the different bloom times in the season (early, mid, late, very late bloomers). Mums beautifully complement late season perennials, and they help transition container gardens nicely through fall.

Mums are heavy feeders and drainage is crucial for their winter survival. Plant in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, in Full Sun (6+ hours per day). In the garden, mix one part Petitti Planting Mix with one part existing soil, add Plant-tone and Iron-tone, and water well. In a container, use planting mix or Petitti Potting Soil with a couple inches of drainage material at the base, add fertilizer, and water. Remember to fertilize in spring as new growth emerges, and again in midsummer with Osmocote. Note: Plant your mums as soon as possible before frost; they require 4-8 weeks to established roots well enough to perennialize (become winter hardy), otherwise they should be considered Annuals. Watch our video “How to Plant Fall Mums So They Grow Back“, or print our matching Garden Guide.