Springtime brings with it a plethora of colorful blooms, from cherry blossoms to tulips. But what about the classic fall flower, mums? What do mums look like in the springtime?
Often overlooked during the spring season, mums can actually add a burst of color and texture to any garden. Typically, mums flowers come in many different colors, including yellow (the most common color), pink, red, white, lavender, bronze, coral, salmon, orange, and vivid orange (Source: North Carolina State University)
Read on to explore the springtime look of mums and how to make the most of them. If you wonder whether frost will hurt your mums, I wrote a whole that I encourage you to read.
Best Mums For Spring Planting
Mums come in a variety of colors and shapes, and choosing the right ones for your garden can make all the difference. In the spring, it is best to opt for the early-blooming mums, such as ‘Princess Irene’ or ‘Red Daisy.’ These varieties tend to bloom earlier in the season and have a shorter growing period, making them a prime choice for adding some color to your garden as early as March.
Another great option is the white-flowered ‘Aloa,’ which blooms in late May and gives off a soft, delicate vibe.
Another thing to keep in mind is that mums tend to grow tall and leggy; I suggest you provide them with support. Adding stakes or hoops to your garden bed before planting your mums can help them grow tall and proud without flopping over or breaking from harsh spring winds.
Depending on the size of your mums, you may also need to prune them throughout the season to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Mum Plants Selection
When buying potted chrysanthemums, it is recommended to purchase “garden mums,” which are hardier than those considered “florist” mums (Source: University of Florida)
I encourage you to choose healthy, well-shaped mums plants with many flower buds. The rule of thumb is that the more buds you see on your mum plant, the more blooms you enjoy in your garden.
Growing mums in containers will be best if you are looking for ways to brighten your porch, patio, or front door.
Planting Mums Plants
When it comes to planting your mums, I believe that it is best to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Mums thrive in bright, sunny conditions and need to be watered regularly to support healthy growth.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, consider planting your mums in a container garden. This way, you can easily move them around to catch the best sunlight, and they can be brought indoors during inclement weather.
When to Plant Mums?
When you purchase packaged mums in the fall, it is recommended to plant them early enough for the roots to become established before winter, generally about six weeks. Follow the tips below according to Utah State University.
- If you buy the mum plants in the spring, wait until after killing frosts to plant them.
- Ten days to 14 days before planting chrysanthemums, it is recommended to prepare a soil bed.
- Dig and loosen your soil to a depth of 6 inches.
- Use organic matter, such as peat moss, compost, or well-rotted manure, in your soil.
- Use 5-10-5, 7-6-5, or similar garden fertilizer if the soil is very poor.
- You may have to install underground drainage to grow chrysanthemums on extremely heavy soils.
Do Spring Mums Like Sun or Shade?
Even though Chrysanthemums require only 6 hours of sunlight daily, generally, mums are sun-loving plants. In other words, the more light mums receive, the better their growth, bloom, and hardiness.
To give your mums that extra pop of color, I encourage you to consider pairing mum plants with other spring blooms. Daffodils and tulips look stunning next to mums, as do pansies and violas.
When it comes to landscaping with mums, the possibilities are endless. You can create a focal point by planting a group of mums in a single color or vary the colors and designs of each plant for a more eclectic look.
Is There a Difference Between Spring And Fall Mums?
Generally, there is no difference between fall mums and spring mums because they are both Chrysanthemums. However, sometimes, greenhouses can ‘trick’ mums into blooming by manipulating the quantity of light they get to force them into bloom. Also, typically, spring-planted mums tend to establish better (Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
What to read next:
- Are Belgian Mums Annual or Perennial? (Let’s find out!)
- Can You Plant Mums After They Bloom? (Here’s the truth!)
- Can You Plant Mums In The Ground: A easy and helpful guide!)
- Are Mums Indoor Or Outdoor Plants? (With Examples Types Of Mums!)
Wrapping Up
Mums may be associated with autumn, but they can bloom beautifully in the spring as well.
I believe that by selecting early-blooming varieties, providing support and pruning, planting them in sunny locations, and pairing them with other spring blooms, you can add a lovely splash of color to your garden.
Don’t overlook mums when planning your spring garden; they may just surprise you with their blooming beauty.
