
Plant mums are low-maintenance flowers that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
They can tolerate frost and can be planted as early as four to six weeks before the first frost.
Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Plant mums at the same depth as they were in their pots, and water them thoroughly after planting.
Watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, depending on weather conditions.
Fertilize plant mums in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Deadheading spent blooms will encourage plant mums to produce more flowers and maintain their shape.
Pruning in the spring will help control the size and shape of the plant.
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Planting and Care
Plant Garden Mums in the spring after frost or in the fall before the frost.
Mums can be planted outdoors in large clumps or mounds, and it's best to choose hardy mums that will thrive in your outdoor space.
Choose a garden mum that is a bit small if planting in the spring, as its root system can become stronger when the plant doesn't have to feed a bigger specimen.
Choose a big, healthy-looking plant full of buds if planting in the fall, for a shorter but more vibrant blooming season.
To protect the plant's roots from cold and winter conditions, apply a thick layer of Calloway's Premium Organic Hardwood Mulch.
Feed your Garden Mums as directed with Calloway's Premium Flower Food for a healthier growth and bolder blooms.
During the freeze of winter, cover your Garden Mums with a frost cloth from Calloway's or Cornelius to keep them safe.
In early spring, pinch your plants back by cutting off the new growth at the end of the stem to encourage more branching and a fuller plant.
Mums are thirsty plants and don't like to be dry, but they also don't like to sit in wet soil, so water them carefully.
Water your mums in well and give them a little water every day until they're established if planting in the ground.
If you have mums that you've repotted, check the soil daily and stick your finger into the soil to your second knuckle to see if it's dry.
Always water from the bottom of the plant directly into the soil to keep the leaves and flowers from getting wet.
Mums kept in plastic containers tend to dry out quickly, so pick up the container and check if it feels light before giving it a good soaking.
Mums love the sun, so find a sunny spot outside with at least six hours of sunlight to plant them, or choose a sunny place indoors to keep them happy and healthy.
Planting Options
You can plant mums outdoors in the spring after frost or in the fall before the frost.
If you're planting mums outdoors in the spring, choose a garden mum that's a bit small because its root system will become stronger when it doesn't have to feed a bigger specimen.
For fall planting, choose a big, healthy-looking plant full of buds, as this will ensure the plant's booming season is shorter and less overwhelming.
Mums usually come in black plastic containers, but you can repurpose them by placing the plastic container inside a larger, more decorative container for a more attractive display.
Mums can thrive in their original containers if they're not too pot-bound, but providing drainage can help extend their lifespan.
Container Considerations
You can keep mums right in their original black plastic containers if they're not too pot-bound. However, putting them in a more decorative container is a great way to enjoy their beauty.
Planting mums in their original containers can make them last less long, but they're easy to replace. I've found that providing drainage is a good idea, but it's not always necessary.
Mums in their original containers don't last as long as repotted mums. Repotting them into a decorative container with good quality potting soil can make a big difference in their health and longevity.
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Designing in Containers
You can plant mums in containers like urns or planters, and it's a great way to add some fall color to your outdoor space.
Make sure the container you choose has good drainage, as mums don't like to stand in water. You can also use small plastic pots or other materials to create a drainage system if your container doesn't have holes.
Planting mums en masse in a container is a great way to create a beautiful designer planter. Consider combining them with other fall-loving plants for a stunning display.
If you're repotting your mums, use good quality potting soil to create a healthy environment for them. This will help them thrive and last longer than if they're in their original plastic pots.
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Removing from Original Container
Removing a mum from its original container requires some care. Gently squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the soil and remove the mum.
Resist the urge to pull the mum out by the foliage, as it can break off easily. Mums have brittle foliage, and I've done that - it's not a pleasant experience.
Gently turn the pot over and slide the mum out, taking care not to damage the roots. If the mum is badly rootbound, soak the whole plastic pot in water until it loosens.
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Fall Planting Tips
For fall planting, choose a big, healthy-looking mum full of buds, as this will give you a shorter but more vibrant blooming season.
Plant mums outdoors in the fall before the frost, or in the spring after the frost has passed, to ensure they thrive.
If you're planting in the spring, select a smaller mum to avoid overwhelming its root system, which will become stronger as the plant grows.
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Add Fall Organics
As you're getting your fall garden ready, consider adding some organic elements around your plants for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can tuck small pumpkins, gourds, or faux leaves into the pot around your mum plants for a pretty fall look.
Mums are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, making them a great choice for fall arrangements. They're easy to find in your local grocery store and will stay fresh with just a little care.
Don't overcrowd your mum plants, as the stems break easily and can be damaged. Gentle handling is best when working with these plants.
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Fall Crop
Garden mums can be grown for fall sales, with flower production typically occurring from September 10 to October 10, depending on the cultivar.
For optimal growth, fall garden mums should be produced outdoors or in an uncovered greenhouse with proper irrigation.
Cool night temperatures promote early flowering of garden mums.
Very warm night temperatures can delay flowering of garden mums.
Garden mums grown in a covered greenhouse may flower two weeks later than those grown outdoors.
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Fall Planting
Plant mums outdoors in the spring after frost or in the fall before the frost.
The ideal time for planting fall garden mums is from September 10 to October 10, depending on the cultivar.
Cool night temperatures promote early flowering of garden mums while very warm night temperatures can delay flowering.
Expect garden mums grown in a covered greenhouse to flower two weeks later than those grown outdoors for fall sales.
Choose a big, healthy-looking plant full of buds when planting mums in the ground during the fall.
The plant's booming season will be shorter if you pick a mum in full bloom.
Don't overcrowd or be rough with the plant, as the stems break easily.
Gentle is best when handling mums.
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Maintenance and Upkeep
Plant mums require regular watering, especially during their first year of growth, as their roots can rot if the soil is too wet.
Water your plant mum deeply once a week during the spring and summer months, and reduce watering to once every 10-14 days during the fall and winter months.
The plant mum's soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilize your plant mum with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Prune your plant mum in the spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth, removing any dead or damaged leaves or stems.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also help encourage your plant mum to produce more blooms.
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Winterizing and Mulching
Winterizing and mulching are crucial steps to help your mums survive the harsh winter conditions.
Dead branches on your mums help protect the crown, so don't break or cut them off.
Mums have short root systems and need protection from hard frosts and dryness.
Add about two inches of mulch around your mums to help them stay healthy.
As new growth starts to peek out of the soil in early spring, you can carefully break off or cut the old stems and compost them.
Shopping and Supplies
Shopping for Garden Mums is a breeze at Calloway's. You can shop in their open-air stores or online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery.
To get started, you'll need some basic supplies. Here are the essentials: Garden MumsCalloway’s Premium Container Potting SoilCorona® eGrip TrowelGarden GlovesWatering Can
Don't worry if you have questions - Calloway's has Texas Certified Nursery Professionals on hand to help.
Shop Easily
You can shop for plants with ease at Calloway's and Cornelius. Their open-air stores are a great place to browse their selection of Garden Mums.
To make shopping even more convenient, you can also shop online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery. This way, you can get your plants without leaving your car.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask their Texas Certified Nursery Professionals. They're there to help you find the perfect plants for your garden.
Their stores are currently featuring an entire selection of fall blooms, so be sure to stop by and check them out.
Supplies

To create a beautiful garden, you'll need the right supplies. Garden Mums are a great choice for adding color and texture to your outdoor space.
You'll also want to use a good quality potting soil, like Calloway's Premium Container Potting Soil, to give your plants a healthy start.
A Corona eGrip Trowel is a must-have for digging and planting, making it easy to handle even the toughest jobs.
Garden Gloves are essential for protecting your hands from thorns, dirt, and other hazards while you work in the garden.
A Watering Can is a simple and effective way to deliver the right amount of water to your plants, helping them thrive in any climate.
Design and Layout
For a beautiful and thriving garden, the design and layout of your plant mums are crucial. Start by cleaning up the planting area to remove any rocks or debris.
You'll want to choose a location that gets the right amount of sunlight for your mums. Garden Mums can thrive in full sun to partial shade, so make sure to select a spot that fits their needs.
When planting mums in containers, you can go for a single statement piece or create a beautiful ensemble by planting them en masse. This adds visual interest and can create a stunning fall display.
To create a beautiful designer planter, consider pairing your mums with other fall-loving plants. This will add depth and texture to your arrangement.
For a professional-looking finish, make sure to smooth the soil's surface after tilling and planting. This will give your mums the best chance to thrive.
Here are some tips for creating a beautiful container garden:
- Plant your mums at the same depth as they were in their pots.
- Space them evenly to create a balanced look.
- Choose plants with varying heights and textures to add visual interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does plant mum mean?
Mums symbolize joy, life, friendship, luck, and rebirth, making them a meaningful addition to any fall arrangement. Their resilient nature also adds to their symbolic significance.
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