Chrysanthemums are the superstars of the fall season here on the Canadian prairies.
As autumn leaves turn and the air cools, there’s no better way to add colour to your garden or porch than with Fall Mums! They add beauty and vibrancy, but they also require a particular amount of care.
If you’re wanting to plan for beautiful fall blooming chrysanthemums this year, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing and caring for Fall Mums.
Want the inside scoop on more gardening tips? Get early access to all my blogs and exclusive content by signing up for my newsletter!
What are Fall Mums?
Fall Mums, or Chrysanthemums, are Zone 5-9 fall flowering perennial flowers known for their brilliant colours and rich textures.
Some rate Chrysanthemums as Zone 4 perennials, but they are very tender in Zone 4 growing areas and will likely not survive our winters.
They are a late-season flowering plant that blooms vibrantly from mid-August to the end of September and into fall, taking their cues from the shortening daylengths.
Fall Mums showcase a stunning variety of colours and shapes, including bronze, deep reds, bright yellows, vivid to soft purples and pinks, and white. They add a burst of colour to your space as the growing season winds down.
Originally cultivated in China over 2,500 years ago, Chrysanthemums have a rich history in both gardening and culture. They symbolize joy, optimism, and longevity.
They made their way to Europe in the 1700s and, from there, migrated to North America.
How to Choose the Right Chrysanthemum for Your Home
When selecting your Fall Mums, examine their size, foliage, flowers, buds, and soil.
Size Matters: Opt for fuller plants with lush buds and blossoms for great impact!
Look for Healthy Foliage: Choose plants with lush, green leaves and avoid those with yellow, wilted leaves, or browning foliage.
The greenhouse girl in me always checks for bugs a couple of ways. First, I gently shake the plant to see if anything flies out, and second, I check the leaves’ undersides to see that no bugs lurking about that could potentially infest the plant.
Check for Buds: To enjoy a longer blooming season, select plants with plenty of tight buds ready to bloom rather than fully opened flowers.
Check the Flowers: Look for any signs of aging on the flowers.
Older flowers have faded colours, and their edges start to turn gray or brown. These plants are waning and will not last long in your fall display.
Check the Soil: Take a quick peek at the soil to check for weeds or pests and assess the moisture.
You could also lift the pot to check its weight, which will indicate how well it’s been watered.
Dry soil could signal stress and that the plants haven’t been well cared for.
Want the inside scoop on more gardening tips? Get early access to all my blogs and exclusive content by signing up for my newsletter!
Chrysanthemum Care Tips
Fall Mums have uncomplicated care needs as listed below:
Sunlight: Fall Mums thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours a day, so place them in a sunny spot in your yard, porch, deck, or balcony.
Temperature: Mums prefer cool weather; they thrive in the fall. And oh, we provide this with gusto on the Canadian prairies! Most potted Chrysanthemums can tolerate a light frost, but bring them indoors before a heavy frost hits.
Watering: Water Chrysanthemums at the base of the plant and maintain consistent but not soggy soil moisture. Chrysanthemums are sensitive to being overwatered and can develop fungal diseases that can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Once the flowers bloom, they have reached maturity and do not require additional fertilizer.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
Can Chrysanthemums be Planted in the Garden When it’s Done Flowering?
Chrysanthemums, like any perennial, thrive in the correct growing zone. Most Fall Mums are rated for Zone 5-9 growing areas.
Related: What are Plant Hardiness Zones and How do They Work
It’s hard to tell what plant zone rating Chrysanthemums are when they are purchased at large box store retailers. Garden centers should have a better idea about the growing Zones of the Chrysanthemums they are selling.
If you are gardening in warmer Zone 5-9 growing zones, plant them and see what happens.
Related: Here are a few blog links to speak into the planting process:
Allow Fall Blooming Mums to Delight Your Autumn Gardening Spaces!
So easy, so simple, so beautiful; let the vibrant colours of Fall Mums make your gardening space shine this autumn. If you follow my simple tips for growing fall chrysanthemums, you’ll be sure to enjoy the gorgeous blooms all season! For more tips on fall gardening, check out the blogs below. You can also sign up for my newsletter!
More to Explore
- 4+ Great Fall Blooming Perennials for the Prairies
- The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bulbs in Canada
- How to Grow Ornamental Alliums from Fall Bulbs
- How to Grow Great Hyacinths in Alberta
- How to Grow Daffodils
- Everything You Need to Know to Grow Great Tulips
- How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter
- How to Put Away Hoses and Rain Barrels in the Fall
©Sharon Wallish Murphy ©Gardening with Sharon
