When the weather cools and summer annuals start to fade, mums step into the spotlight. Their bold color and lush blooms make them the go-to flower for fall in Selden. Whether you’re sprucing up your front porch, adding seasonal curb appeal, or planting in your garden beds, mums bring instant warmth and personality to your landscape.
But when should you plant them? And how can you keep them looking their best through the season?
Let’s walk through the basics of planting and caring for mums, so you can enjoy a vibrant, long-lasting display all autumn long.
When to Plant Mums in Selden
The ideal time to plant mums is in early to mid-fall, when daytime temperatures are cooler but before the first frost. In Selden, that usually means late September through mid-October. This gives your plants enough time to establish roots in the soil while still enjoying plenty of daylight and moderate temperatures.
If you’re buying mums from a nursery or garden center, choose ones that are just starting to bloom. Fully opened flowers look great on day one, but they’ll fade faster. Plants with tight buds will give you more bloom time in your yard.
Sunlight and Location
Mums love the sun. For the brightest blooms and healthiest plants, place them in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A bit of afternoon shade can help extend the life of the flowers, especially if temperatures spike, but too much shade will result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
If you’re using them in containers near your front steps or along a porch, make sure those areas still get good light. East- or south-facing spots tend to work best.
Spacing and Soil
When planting mums in the ground, space them about 18 to 24 inches apart. They may look small at first, but they’ll spread quickly. Good spacing allows for better airflow, which helps prevent disease and keeps your plants looking full.
Mums prefer well-drained soil that doesn’t stay soggy. If your yard tends to hold water, you may want to amend the soil with compost or plant them in raised beds. Overly wet conditions can cause root rot and shorten the life of your plants.
If you’re planting in containers, make sure they have drainage holes and are filled with high-quality potting mix.
Watering Tips
One of the most common mistakes people make with mums is overwatering. These plants do need consistent moisture, especially when they’re newly planted, but they don’t like sitting in wet soil.
Water at the base of the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid soaking the leaves and flowers, which can lead to mildew or mold. As the season cools down, you can reduce watering frequency.
If you’re using containers, check them daily, as pots dry out more quickly than garden beds.
Pairing Mums with Fall Décor
Mums don’t just add color. They bring a cozy, festive vibe to your outdoor space. If you’re looking to create a fall-ready porch or front entry, try pairing your mums with:
- Pumpkins and gourds in different sizes
- Ornamental cabbage or kale for texture and cool-season interest
- Hay bales or wooden crates to create height and rustic charm
- Lanterns or string lights for a warm evening glow
- Cornstalks or fall wreaths to tie everything together
Stick to a color palette that complements your home’s exterior. Classic fall tones like gold, deep red, burnt orange, and white always look great together, but you can also go bold with purples or bright pinks for a modern twist.
Keep Your Mums Looking Their Best
To extend bloom time, remove faded flowers regularly. This encourages the plant to keep producing new blooms. And if you’re planting perennial mums rather than decorative annuals, you can cut them back after the first frost and mulch them over to help them return next year.
Not sure which variety you’re planting? Just ask. We’re happy to help you choose the right kind for your yard.
Let’s Get Your Yard Fall-Ready
At Making Solid Ground, we love helping Selden homeowners bring their yards to life in every season. Fall is one of the best times to make quick updates with big visual impact, and mums are a great place to start.
If you’re looking for help designing your seasonal displays, preparing planting beds, or installing privacy trees along with your fall flowers, we’d be glad to give you ideas and an estimate.
Contact us today to request a quote and let’s get your property looking its best before the leaves finish turning.