Discover the lovely autumn colors with these helpful suggestions for maintaining potted mums in containers.
As the summer blossoms begin to fade, I seek ways to introduce vibrant hues to our outdoor settings this fall.
Fall mums appear like the perfect selection; however, my experience showed they decline rapidly without appropriate care.
This season, I researched methods to keep my lovely yellow mums by the front door flourishing for the longest duration.
What kind of Fall potted mums should one select?
While mums can thrive in a garden or directly in the soil, this discussion focuses on those sold in individual containers.
Various mum varieties exist, showcasing diverse colors and traits; from quill mums to spoon mums, they offer abundant aesthetic choices.
Hardy Mums Versus Floral Mums
When selecting mums, remember there are two primary types: hardy mums and floral mums.
Hardy mums are perennial flowers that remain in the ground and return annually, typically flowering for an extended period.
Floral mums are seasonal decorative flowers, usually found in bulk at stores like Walmart, and are often labeled as “potted mums”.
Guidance on caring for a Floral Potted Mum to maximize its lifespan
The bright yellow floral mum chosen for our entrance utilizes these tips to ensure its longevity.
- Select floral mums that are not completely open; seek out mums retaining some buds so they have time to unfurl.
- Discard any wrapping paper from the pot and thoroughly water the plant. Since store watering time is unknown, check immediately; if very dry, place it in a container of water for 30 minutes for root absorption.
- Floral mums dislike both dryness and excess water; to simplify watering, get a floral saucer that fits beneath the pot and top it up when dry (daily watering might be needed). Root absorption helps keep them content.
- Prune off spent and fading blossoms. Removing wilted flowers directs attention toward the still vibrant blooms.
