planting mums outside in fall

Planting Mums Outside in Fall

By Hannah AndersonFebruary 2, 2026

Fall is a wonderful time to plant mums, as they thrive in the cooler temperatures and can provide a vibrant burst of color to your garden before the winter season sets in. Also known as chrysanthemums, these hardy perennials are easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But when it comes to planting mums outside in fall, there are a few key things to consider to ensure they grow and flourish in your garden.

Firstly, it's important to choose the right time to plant your mums. Ideally, you should plant them about 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost date in your area. This gives them enough time to establish strong root systems before the cold weather sets in. Additionally, planting mums in the fall allows them to bloom in the spring, providing a beautiful display of flowers as the weather warms up.

Preparing Your Garden for Mums

Before you plant your mums, it's crucial to prepare your garden to ensure they have the best possible start. Mums prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider mixing in some compost or other organic material to improve drainage and fertility.

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Mums also benefit from a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some shade, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers. Additionally, mums prefer a spot that is protected from strong winds, which can damage their flowers and foliage.

Choosing the Right Mums for Your Garden

When selecting mums for your garden, consider the size and shape of the plant, as well as the color and type of flowers. Mums come in a wide range of sizes, from compact plants that grow only a few inches tall to large plants that can reach several feet in height. Some mums have daisy-like flowers, while others have pompon or quill-shaped blooms.

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Additionally, mums come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, white, and yellow. When choosing mums, consider the overall color scheme of your garden and select plants that will complement or contrast with your existing flowers and foliage.

Planting Mums in Your Garden

Once you've prepared your garden and selected your mums, it's time to plant them. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your mum. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the base of the stem is level with the ground.

Fill in the hole with soil, gently firming it down around the plant to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for the roots. In the following weeks, continue to water your mums regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering.

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Caring for Mums in the Fall and Winter

After planting, mums require minimal care to thrive in your garden. In the fall, continue to water your mums regularly, especially during dry spells. As the weather cools, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but make sure the soil remains consistently moist.

Mums are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it's still important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. If you notice any yellowing leaves or wilting flowers, it could be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. If the leaves have holes or are covered in small insects, it may be a sign of pests. In either case, treat the problem promptly to prevent it from spreading to other plants in your garden.

Overwintering Mums

In colder climates, mums may not survive the winter outdoors. If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider overwintering your mums by moving them to a protected location, such as a garage or basement. Before moving them indoors, make sure to check for any signs of pests or diseases and treat them accordingly.

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Blueacre Garden on Instagram: "If your mums die back in the fall every year and you wish they’d return year after year, this video is for you! If you live in a warmer growing zone (7-9), you can plant the annual mums and they will likely return each year. If you live in a cooler zone, or if you want a guarantee that the mums will return (or you want to try one of the cooler varieties) try perennial mums! Perennial mums are sometimes labeled garden mums. They are bred to survive zones 4-9. #gardening #gardening101 #fallgarden #mums #fallflowers" Planting Mums In Ground In Fall, Planting Mums, Zone 7, Garden Mum, Gardening 101, Autumn Garden, Fall Flowers, Perennials, Canning

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Once you've moved your mums indoors, place them in a cool, dark location where they won't receive any direct sunlight. Water them sparingly, just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. In the spring, you can move your mums back outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the weather has warmed up.

In conclusion, planting mums outside in fall is a great way to add color and vibrancy to your garden before the winter season sets in. By choosing the right time, preparing your garden, selecting the right mums, and providing proper care, you can ensure that your mums will thrive and provide beautiful flowers for years to come. So go ahead, get planting, and enjoy the stunning display of fall colors in your garden!