When Should I Plant Mums

Introduction

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are popular plants that bloom beautifully in the fall. They come in different colors and shapes, making them an ideal addition to your garden or patio. However, to ensure that your mums thrive and produce gorgeous blooms, you need to know when to plant them. In this article, we will provide you with guidelines on the best time to plant mums to have a healthy and fully bloomed plant.

Early Planting

Planting your mums too early can be harmful to the plant. The main reason is that mums need warm soil to grow well, and if the soil temperature is too low, they may not thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting your mums. Typically, you should wait until after the last frost before planting mums. Planting before the frost can expose the plant to freezing temperatures, resulting in damage or the plant dying altogether.

Mid-Summer Planting

The best time to plant mums is mid-summer, around late June to early July. At this time, the soil has warmed up to optimal temperatures for the plant to grow well. Also, planting at this time gives the plant enough time to establish its roots before blooming in the fall. During this time, the plant has access to plenty of moisture and nutrients from the soil, allowing them to produce large and healthy blooms.

Late Planting

If you didn't get to plant your mums in mid-summer, you can still plant them in the fall. However, you need to ensure that you give them enough time to establish their roots before the first frost. This means planting them at least six weeks before the first expected frost. Late planting can result in smaller blooms or the plant not blooming at all. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you take good care of the plant and keep it well-watered until it establishes its roots.

Conclusion

Knowing when to plant mums is essential for growing a healthy and fully bloomed plant. Early planting can expose the plant to freezing temperatures, while late planting can result in smaller and fewer blooms. Therefore, it is crucial to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting your mums. Mid-summer, around late June to early July, is the best time to plant mums. However, if you didn't get to plant them at this time, you can still plant them in the fall before the first expected frost. By following these guidelines, your mums will produce gorgeous blooms, adding beauty and color to your garden or patio area.