Yes, it is sad to say, but the time for fall’s favorite flower, the chrysanthemum, is here.  Oh, I am not sad it’s time for mums, as it is one of my favorite flowers of fall, I am just sad that summer is indeed over.

So, as you head out to fill your yards, gardens, and homes with those popular fall flowers, here are a few tips to buying, decorating with, and taking care of them.

First- what is the difference between a floral mum and a garden mum?

Floral mums are grown in greenhouses and forced to bloom, giving us those large blossoms that are quite impressive and showy.  Often you will find them in floral shops and can be used year-round for decorating and gift-giving.

Garden mums are widely available and are generally less expensive than the floral mums.  Their blossoms are smaller, but have more prolific blooms.

Tip #1:  Decorating with Mums:

My favorite mums are white mums, but they aren’t always the best choice when it comes to longevity, as the blossoms don’t last as long and the spent buds are more noticeable.  To get the most bang for your buck as they say, choose darker shades such as rust, purple or burgundy.  When displaying and arranging the mums with other fall elements, I like to keep the colors of the mums down to one or two.  Too much variety in color feels unorganized and has less impact.

Tip #2:  Buying Tips:

Look for small, unopened buds on the plants, as they will bloom longer than plants in full bloom.  Garden centers usually group like colors together, so find a color you like and locate the plants with the most unopened buds.  Buy the bigger plants- they won’t grow larger while blooming, so choose the plant that is the size that you need it to be. 

Tip #3:  Use and Placement:

Buy plants as soon as the nights start to cool and the buds start to open.  (Usually in early to mid-Sept for the Midwest.)  Once the buds start to open, the plant will bloom, so it  doesn’t really matter where you place them.  They do like the sun best, but if you are only using them for decorating, put them where you want them to look best.  Replace annuals spent from the summer heat with the colorful and fresh looking mums, add them to pots, gardens or on your table-scapes. 

Tip #4:  Routine Care:

Water frequently to keep them looking their best, trying not to over-water.  If they dry out, submerge the pots in a pail of water to quickly re-hydrate them.  Water more during warmer weather, less as the season cools.   Pinch off the spent blooms to encourage more buds to open and to keep them looking fresh and tidy.

Tip #5:  Planting Mums:

Both types of mums can be planted to return in the spring, just follow general planting guides.  (Dig hole larger than pot, add amended soil to feed new plant properly.)  When the plant is done blooming this fall, cut plant back to 6-8 inches.  When the plants re-emerge in the spring, pinch back any buds through July if you prefer to have them bloom only in the fall.  Once the buds form and enlarge, the blooms will follow.

I hope this provides you with some tips on making the most of the beautiful chrysanthemum plants for the fall season.  These colorful plants are really some of the most economical and fun ways to extend the planting season and welcome fall.  Mix in a few gourds, pumpkins, and flowering kale or cabbage and you have some easy fall decorating!

(Fall flower photos from Southern Living.com)