Can You Plant a Potted Mum Outside?

If you are looking for a beautiful and vibrant addition to your garden, chrysanthemums or mums are a popular choice. These perennial fall flowers come in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, and they are a staple of autumn landscapes. While you can buy potted mums and enjoy their blooms indoors, you may be wondering if you can plant them outside to enjoy their beauty year after year. Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a Variety

The first thing to consider is the type of mum you would like to plant. There are many different varieties available, including garden mums and cushion mums. Some mums are hardier and better suited for outdoor planting, while others are bred to be indoor ornamental plants.

If you are buying potted mums from a local nursery or garden center, make sure to ask about the specific variety and its hardiness. Look for mums that have already started to bloom, as these are a sign that they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. If you are buying mums online, make sure to check the plant’s USDA Hardiness Zone to ensure that it is suitable for your location.

Planting Mums Outside

Planting mums outside is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to choose the right location and give them the right care. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Mums require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the mum.

Remove the mum from its pot and gently loosen the roots. Place the plant into the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.

Water the mum thoroughly after planting.

It is important to water newly planted mums regularly to help them establish in their new location. Once the plants have taken root and started to grow, you can reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Maintaining Mums Outside

Once your mums are established outside, they require regular maintenance to stay healthy and vibrant. Here are some tips to keep your mums looking their best:

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote new growth and prevent disease.

Fertilize mums every few weeks during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.

Water mums regularly and avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent diseases.

Protect mums from harsh weather conditions, such as frost or high winds, by covering them with a blanket or other protective cover.

With proper care, your outdoor mums can thrive and bloom year after year, bringing color and beauty to your garden or landscape.

In Conclusion

Potted mums can be a beautiful addition to your home or office, but they can also be planted outside to enjoy for years to come. Choosing the right variety and giving them the right care is key to success. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms and autumn colors of mums in your own yard or garden.