Chrysanthemums, or simply “mums” as they’re often called, are the quintessential fall flower. With their vibrant colors, lush blooms, and tidy growth habit, they make a perfect addition to patios, porches, balconies, and gardens during the autumn season. One of the best ways to enjoy mums is by growing them in pots. Not only does this allow for flexibility in placement, but it also creates a beautiful, movable display that can be rearranged for events or seasonal décor. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned green thumb, growing chrysanthemums in pots is both rewarding and surprisingly easy.
Choosing the Right Chrysanthemums
When selecting chrysanthemums for your fall display, it’s important to understand the two main types: garden mums and florist mums. Garden mums are hardy and ideal for outdoor containers, while florist mums are usually grown for indoor enjoyment and tend to be more delicate. For a lasting fall display, garden mums are the best choice.
Within the garden mum category, you’ll find an array of varieties with different bloom shapes and colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, white, and even bronze. Choosing a mix of colors can create a cheerful and eye-catching display, or you can stick to a single color theme for a more elegant look.
Picking the Perfect Pots
Chrysanthemums don’t require fancy containers, but the pot should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and provide adequate drainage. A 10- to 12-inch pot works well for a single mum, though larger pots can support multiple plants for a fuller display. Terracotta, ceramic, or resin pots are all suitable options, as long as they have drainage holes at the bottom. If your chosen container doesn’t have drainage, consider using a plastic liner pot with holes inside the decorative one.
Don’t forget to factor in mobility. If you plan to move your mums around, consider lightweight materials or place the pots on rolling stands to make repositioning easier.
Preparing the Soil
Chrysanthemums prefer well-drained, fertile soil. A high-quality potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite will provide the drainage they need. Avoid using garden soil in containers, as it can become compacted and lead to poor root health. For an extra nutrient boost, you can mix in a slow-release balanced fertilizer at the time of planting.
If you’re repotting nursery mums into larger containers, gently tease out the roots before placing them in their new pot. This helps encourage better root expansion and water absorption.
Planting Your Mums
Once you’ve chosen your plants and prepared the pots and soil, it’s time to plant. Fill the pot about one-third full with potting mix, place the mum in the center, and fill in around the root ball with more soil. The top of the root ball should be level with or just below the rim of the pot. Firm the soil gently with your fingers, but avoid packing it too tightly.
Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots. From this point on, keeping your mums properly watered is key to keeping them healthy and blooming.
Watering and Feeding
Chrysanthemums like consistent moisture but hate soggy soil. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During hot or windy days, container-grown mums may need daily watering, especially if they’re in full sun. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
To keep your mums thriving throughout the fall season, feed them with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks, or as recommended on the fertilizer label. Look for a balanced or bloom-boosting formula to encourage more flowers.
Providing the Right Light
Chrysanthemums love the sun. For the best blooms, place your pots where they’ll receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. In shadier spots, mums may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. If you’re placing them on a porch or under an overhang, make sure there’s enough sunlight during the brightest parts of the day.
Keep in mind that mums are also photoperiodic, meaning they bloom based on day length. As days get shorter in late summer and early fall, mums naturally begin to produce buds and flower. For this reason, avoid placing them near artificial light sources at night, such as porch lights, which can interfere with blooming.
Deadheading and Pruning
To keep your potted mums looking fresh and tidy, remove spent blooms regularly. This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more flowers and prolongs the blooming period. Simply pinch or snip off the faded flower heads just above the next set of leaves.
If your mums start to get leggy or overgrown, you can trim them back lightly to maintain a compact shape. However, avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as this can reduce blooming. For next season, if you decide to keep the plants, more substantial pruning is best done in late spring to early summer.
Creating a Festive Display
Now comes the fun part: arranging your potted mums for the perfect fall display. Group pots of varying sizes and colors together on steps, porches, or patios to create visual interest. Add complementary fall elements such as pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, or hay bales to enhance the seasonal feel. Mixing in other fall-blooming plants like ornamental peppers, pansies, or asters can add texture and contrast.
Think about symmetry and layering when placing your pots. Taller mums can go toward the back or center, while shorter or trailing varieties can spill over the edges in front. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one that feels balanced and festive.
Protecting Mums from the Cold
Though garden mums are hardy in many regions, container-grown plants are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than those planted in the ground. If a hard frost is in the forecast, consider moving your pots to a sheltered location such as a garage, shed, or enclosed porch overnight.
If you’d like to try overwintering your potted mums, cut them back after blooming and keep them in a cool, dark location where temperatures stay above freezing. Water sparingly throughout the winter, just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. In spring, bring them back out, repot if necessary, and begin fertilizing again.
Enjoying the Beauty of Fall
Growing chrysanthemums in pots is a simple and satisfying way to celebrate the beauty of fall. With just a little care and creativity, you can enjoy a dazzling display of color that lasts for weeks. Whether placed on a sunny porch, lining a garden path, or framing your front door, potted mums bring warmth and charm to any outdoor space.
So grab your favorite fall drink, step outside, and enjoy the view. Your festive fall display is sure to brighten both your home and your season.
