October 1, 2025 – Cooler temperatures are finally here, and with them comes the best time for chrysanthemums! With dozens and dozens of varieties available, now is the time to plant them for spectacular fall color in your landscape! When buying mums, know that there are 2 types—garden mums, and florist mums.
Garden mums are perennial plants suitable for planting in the ground, giving showy flowers for several years. They can withstand frost if planted early enough to develop a strong root system. Plant outdoors 6 weeks before the average 1st frost date of November 15. Garden mums are those sold by nurseries and garden centers, and many varieties are available now.
Florist mums can be found at florist shops and grocery stores. Florist mums usually come with the container wrapped in foil. Although these mums are annuals, they can survive outdoors in containers until the first frost, but will need to be brought inside during winter and used as houseplants.
When buying mums, choose buds over blooms for longer lasting, more showy flowers. Avoid stressed plants that are spindly, have few buds, or yellow leaves.
CARE
Mums have a shallow root system, like well-drained soils, and need the top 1” of soil to be consistently moist, but not wet. Mums love the sun, and 6 hours of sunlight is recommended. Less sun will result in fewer blooms.
Regular deadheading all spent flowers will result in more flowers blooming throughout the fall.
