How Much Sun Do Mums Need? 5 Recommended Spots for Your Pots

Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are a popular flower choice for gardens, window boxes, and porches. In this article, we’ll discuss the sun requirements of chrysanthemums, as well as how and where to place pots of mums for optimal growth and beauty. Let’s dive in!

What is a Mum?

Chrysanthemums, more commonly referred to as “mums,” are a species of flowering plant prized for their colorful blooms. These beautiful flowers bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, purple, and orange. The flowers are usually composed of several concentric circles of petals, which can range in size from very small to large. The centers of the flowers are usually yellow but can be other colors as well, depending on the variety.

Mums are hardy perennials, meaning they will bloom year after year with proper care. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. They typically bloom in the late summer and early fall, and their long-lasting blooms make them popular for use in bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowers will last for several weeks when cut and placed in water.

Mums are also popular house plants, as they are easy to care for and will bloom indoors with adequate light and water. They are also quite drought-tolerant, making them ideal for those who don’t want to worry about overwatering.

How Much Sun Do Mums Need?

Mums, or chrysanthemums, need plenty of sun each day to flourish. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is ideal, as well as some light shade during the hottest parts of the day. When planting mums, choose a spot in your yard with plenty of sun exposure. A south- or west-facing spot is ideal, as it will ensure that the mums get enough sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in shady areas, as this could inhibit the mums’ growth. For best results, make sure the area is well-drained and has plenty of room for the mums to spread out. Mulching around the mums can also help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. With adequate sun, your mums will be in full bloom in no time.

When Do You Plant Chrysanthemums?

When it comes to planting chrysanthemums, timing is key. These hardy perennials are best planted in early spring, ensuring that they have ample time to establish strong root systems before the summer heat sets in. For those looking to grow mums from seed, starting them indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date is recommended.

How Do You Plant Mums?

When planting mums, make sure to keep them 18 to 36 inches apart so they have good airflow. Good air circulation will help prevent fungal diseases. Plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot in order to prevent water from gathering around the base and rotting the stems.

If you are going to grow your mums in a container, keep them moist, but make sure the water can drain out the bottom of the pot. Sometimes, you buy mums in wrapped containers. Check that there are drainage holes. If not, you will have to replant them in a more suitable pot.

How Do You Water and Feed Chrysanthemum?

Providing regular water and nourishment is essential for the growth of mums. It is important to make sure the soil is adequately moistened. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering, as they are prone to fungal diseases.

Mums are heavy feeders, so using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 once a month is ideal. To conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds, spread mulch around the mum. Stop fertilizing when flower buds show up, and use a high-nitrogen fertilizer after the buds have set. If flower size isn’t a priority, stop fertilizing in mid-August.

How Do You Prune Mums?

Trim the stems to make your mums thicker and fuller. When the shoots are 4 inches long, snip off the top of the shoot, leaving 2 or 3 true leaves. Repeat this process every 3 weeks until July. If you live in a warm southern climate, you can keep pinching until August.

To create larger flowers, pinch off all buds except the biggest and most robust on each stem and take away any other buds that come up further down on that same stem. Do not prune mums in the fall since the dead growth protects their roots by insulating them. Cut off any dead leaves and stems when you start noticing new green shoots in the spring.

How Do You Get a Chrysanthemum Ready for Winter?

For chrysanthemum lovers residing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and above, the good news is that perennial chrysanthemums can withstand winter conditions when left outdoors, firmly rooted in the ground. However, those living in regions with particularly frigid winters might want to take extra precautions by overwintering their plants indoors. A basement or a chilly closet can serve as a suitable shelter during these harsh months.

To prepare your chrysanthemums for this indoor staycation, wait until the first hard frost in the fall. Dig up the mum and plant it in a pot carefully.

Now comes an important tip: don’t be too hasty to remove all foliage from your beloved mums just yet! It’s best to leave them intact until spring arrives. During this period of dormancy, make sure to water your potted chrysanthemums and keep their roots consistently damp.

With the arrival of spring, it’s time for our cherished chrysanthemum friends to wake up from their slumber. But remember not to expose them directly to bright light right away; instead, introduce them gradually. This process helps acclimate the plants back into sunlight without overwhelming or shocking them.

How Do You Propagate Mums?

Mums are best propagated by division or seed. They are easy to divide in the spring. When you first see new growth appear, use a sharp knife to cut the mum in halves or thirds. The middle of the plant is the oldest and is usually decaying. You can discard this part and keep the outer, younger sections. As long as each section has a healthy set of roots, you can replant them individually in their own locations. You can divide mums every 3 years.

Will Potted Chrysanthemums Survive Outside?

While chrysanthemums planted directly in the ground can typically tolerate air temperatures below 20°F due to the insulation provided by the surrounding earth, those grown in containers lack this natural protection.

When winter arrives, and temperatures drop significantly, potted mums are vulnerable to frost damage and freezing conditions that could prove fatal for their delicate roots. Unlike their counterparts rooted in the ground, container-grown chrysanthemums are more exposed and susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

To ensure their survival during colder months, gardeners must take appropriate measures, such as bringing potted mums indoors or providing them with additional insulation. By moving these plants into a sheltered location like a garage or basement before the first frost hits, they can be shielded from harsh winter elements.

5 Recommended Spots for Your Pots

1. Porch

A great place to put chrysanthemum pots is on the porch. This is a great way to add some color and life to the front of your home. Whether you place them in a row or group them together, the vibrant colors of the plants will make a great addition to any porch. This method is especially eye-catching if you mix several colors of mums together.

2. Patio

Another great place to put chrysanthemum pots is on the patio. This is a great way to add some beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you have a terrace or a backyard, the chrysanthemums will bring a beautiful pop of color. Be sure that the patio faces the hot morning sun and gets a bit of shade in the afternoon.

3. Deck

A great place to place chrysanthemum pots is on the deck. This is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the flowers. Grouping the pots together on the deck will bring a cheerful and inviting atmosphere to your outdoor space. Make sure the pots have trays underneath so the moisture doesn’t damage your decking material.

4. Garden

A great place to place chrysanthemum pots is in the garden. This is a great way to add some color and life to your garden. Whether you have a small or large garden, the chrysanthemums will brighten up the space and provide a beautiful backdrop to your garden.

5. Window Box

Another great place to put chrysanthemum pots is in a window box. This is a great way to add some life and color to your windows. Place the pots in the window box and add some bright and cheerful flowers to your home. Use mums in window boxes that face east or west for the ideal display.