How to Care for Fall Mum Plants in Containers

The yellow, maroon, red and orange blossoms of a chrysanthemum are a sure sign that fall is approaching. A member of the daisy family, a potted chrysanthemum will add a pop of color on your front porch, patio or balcony. With a little bit of care throughout the spring and summer season, your chrysanthemum will reward you in the fall with a colorful array of blooms.

Things You'll Need

• Pot feet for raising container Complete fertilizer

Instructions

1. Keep mums in full sun and keep the soil moist and well-drained. Do not allow the containers to dry out. Avoid using a saucer under the container but rather use pot feet for better drainage.

2. Give your mums a light feeding using complete fertilizer every three weeks until blooming season. Once your mum has begun blooming, give a light feeding each week.

3. Pinch mums back occasionally throughout the summer. This will allow for bushier plants and more blooms the next season.

4. Pinch off all dead blooms during blooming season. After they have finished blooming, cut them back.

5. Remove your mum from the container before the winter if you live in a colder climate. It will need to be planted in the ground and covered with mulch to prevent it from freezing. You can also bring your mum inside until spring. Continue to place mums in a sunny location with plenty of water. In warmer climates, you can move your mum to a covered area for the winter.

6. Repot your mum as it grows by dividing the root ball in half and repotting both halves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you bring your mum indoors for the winter, be sure not to set it near a heating duct or other heat source. This will cause the foliage to dry out or burn.

References

• Acorn Farms: Caring for your Chrysanthemum