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THE TYPES OF MUMS |
 Two broad categories encompass mums: florist mums and garden mums. For the sake of this article, we will focus on garden mums, particularly cushion mums, which we grow by the tens of thousands and are the types of mums you will find lining our store benches from late August through mid-October. Cushion mums are most notable for their dome-shaped habit, almost completely covered with flowers when in bloom. They are hardy varieties you can plant in the ground and treat as a perennial (more on that below). However, most customers, whether decorating their front porches or freshening up their landscapes, are only interested in getting a season of color out of their mums. Let us tell you how to make the most of your annual mums this autumn season. |
CHOOSING A MUM |
 When selecting a mum at the store, choose plants with numerous visible buds that are not completely open to enjoy the full extent of the plant’s life. If placing your mum in full sun, a partially open bloom is acceptable. For shady areas, look for more open flowers. If you are looking for an instant impact to your space, then purchase a mum whose blooms are already open and on full display. The foliage of the plant is another important aspect to look at when purchasing a mum. We recommend buying a mum with dense, dark, and symmetrical foliage that is not wilted or yellowing. Our Family Tree Nursery staff cares for the mums all season long to ensure that only the best quality mums are available for purchase, and we are happy to help you find the perfect mum for your outdoor space. |
PLANTING MUMS IN CONTAINERS |
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LIGHTING |
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LANDSCAPE WITH MUMS AS AN ANNUAL |
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PLANTING MUMS AS PERENNIALS |
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Mums, with their vibrant colors and diverse bloom times, are a beloved addition to gardens and containers. By carefully selecting varieties and providing proper care, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers throughout the fall season. Whether you prefer their cheerful blooms in the garden or the convenience of container gardening, mums offer a delightful way to add a touch of autumnal splendor to your outdoor space. |
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a flowering plant. Mums must have at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Mums require full sun to start the blooming process and cannot begin the cycle in the shade. However, once buds are at least halfway open, they can finish blooming in partial shade. This flexibility makes them a great choice for gardens or porches with limited sunlight. During the hot months, morning daily light and afternoon shade are ideal for preventing the plant from getting scorched.
Mums prefer loamy, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. To create the ideal environment for your mums, choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sun. Remove the mum from the grower’s pot and dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Gently place the mum in the hole and fill in the surrounding gaps with soil. Firm the soil around the base of the plant. Cover the top layer of soil with 2-3 inches of mulch. The mulch will help to prevent the plant from drying out and retain moisture. Water thoroughly after planting. To increase the impact and wow factor of the mums in your garden, plant them in groups. Color coordination with the fall colors and late-blooming plants already living in the garden bed will give a cohesive look. 
Mums are versatile plants that perform wonderfully in containers and the ground due to their shallow root system and compact nature. While most mums are treated as annuals, cushion mums can also be grown as perennials, meaning that the plants grown in the landscape will come back year after year. Planting cushion mums in the landscape can add a beautiful pop of color and interest to your fall garden. If you want to learn more about this process and the steps needed, you can check out our YouTube video, where the owner of Family Tree Nursery, Jonah Nelson, discusses the history of our store with mums and how to care for them as perennials.