How to Care for Mums to Keep Them Blooming Through the Fall Season

Nothing says fall quite like a front porch lined with vibrant mums. Their bursts of color—gold, burgundy, orange, and purple—bring warmth and charm to the season. But if you’ve ever brought home mums only to watch them fade in a week or two, you’re not alone. With the right care, mums can thrive and stay beautiful for weeks, carrying your porch décor well into autumn. Here’s how to make them last.

1. Choose Mums That Haven’t Fully Bloomed

When shopping, look for mums that are full of tight, unopened buds with just a hint of color. While the fully bloomed ones look tempting, they’ll fade faster. Younger plants with unopened buds will continue to bloom throughout the season, giving you lasting color.

2. Place Them in the Right Spot

Mums love sunlight, especially in the fall when days grow shorter. Place them where they’ll get at least 4–6 hours of direct sun daily. On porches or shaded entryways, rotate pots occasionally so every side gets exposure.

3. Water Regularly, But Don’t Overdo It

Mums dry out quickly in their pots, especially in warm autumn afternoons. Water them daily if needed—checking soil with your finger is the best test. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Always water at the base of the plant to keep leaves and blooms dry, preventing rot.

4. Remove Plastic Wrapping

If your mums came with decorative plastic around the pot, take it off. That wrapping traps moisture and prevents good drainage, which can lead to root rot. Instead, place the nursery pot inside a decorative planter with drainage holes for a polished look and healthier plant.

5. Deadhead to Encourage New Blooms

Pinch off spent flowers as they fade. This keeps your mums looking tidy and encourages the plant to send energy into new buds instead of drying blooms. A few minutes of deadheading each week makes a big difference.

6. Protect from Early Frost

Mums are hardy, but an early frost can shock the blooms. If a chilly night is coming, pull potted mums closer to the house or cover them lightly with burlap or a sheet. This little step helps extend their beauty.

7. Keep Them Fed

If you want mums to bloom their longest, give them a light dose of liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. A balanced formula (like 10-10-10) supports strong roots and healthy blooms.

8. Transition Them Indoors

If you really want to extend their life, bring your mums inside before the first hard frost. Place them in a sunny window and continue watering. While they may not last all winter, you’ll enjoy weeks more color indoors.

Final Thoughts

Mums are the star of fall decorating, but they need a little love to stay at their best. By choosing them at the right stage, watering properly, and protecting them from frost, you’ll enjoy vibrant, full blooms from September right through Thanksgiving.