Are you wondering if mums, those beautiful flowering plants, can come back year after year when planted in pots? We have the answers for you! Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a popular choice for adding vibrant colors to gardens and outdoor spaces. But whether they can survive the winter and return with their dazzling blooms each year depends on a few factors. Let’s explore the fascinating world of mums and discover if they can truly thrive in pots!
Key Takeaways
- Florist mums, the compact potted varieties, generally do not come back each year.
- Garden mums, with their looser growth habit and stolons, have the potential to return reliably year after year.
- Proper planting and care, such as choosing the right pot size and providing well-draining soil, can help mums thrive in pots.
- Watering, mulching, and regular feeding with fertilizers are important for the overall health and longevity of mums in pots.
- Pinching off spent blooms can encourage mums to produce a second wave of colorful flowers.
The Difference Between Florist Mums and Garden Mums
Florist mums and garden mums may look similar, but there are key differences between these two types of mums. Understanding these differences is crucial for successfully growing and caring for these beautiful flowers.
Florist Mums:
Florist mums, also known as pot mums or florist’s daisies, are bred primarily for their decorative qualities. These mums are typically grown in greenhouses for the florist trade and are popular choices for gift-giving. Florist mums are known for their compact, bushy growth habit and a wide variety of vibrant colors.
However, when it comes to their hardiness, florist mums are less tolerant of cold temperatures. They generally cannot handle temperatures below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and may not survive the winter in many regions. Florist mums have fewer or no stolons, which are runners near the surface of the ground that put out new roots and shoots. This lack of stolons makes them less likely to return each year.
Garden Mums:
Garden mums, also referred to as hardy mums or garden daisies, are the mums that reliably return year after year. These mums have a looser growth habit and are available in a wide range of colors and flower forms. They are known for their ability to withstand colder temperatures and are popular choices for late summer and fall displays.
Unlike florist mums, garden mums have stolons, which allow them to put out new roots and shoots. This characteristic makes them more perennial in nature, meaning they have the potential to come back each year. To ensure their survival, garden mums should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pinching back of the plants during spring and early summer can also help keep them compact and encourage more robust blooming.
Key Differences Between Florist Mums and Garden Mums:
| Florist Mums | Garden Mums |
|---|---|
| Primarily grown in greenhouses for the florist trade | Reliably return year after year |
| Compact, bushy growth habit | Looser growth habit |
| Wide variety of vibrant colors | Available in a wide range of colors and flower forms |
| Less tolerant of cold temperatures | Can withstand colder temperatures |
| Fewer or no stolons | Have stolons, allowing them to put out new roots and shoots |
| Less likely to return each year | More likely to come back each year |
In summary, the difference between florist mums and garden mums lies in their growth habits, hardiness, and ability to return each year. Florist mums are grown in greenhouses, while garden mums are hardier and more likely to survive the winter. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right type of mum for your garden and ensure their long-term success.
Planting and Caring for Mums
If you want your mums to come back every year, proper planting is crucial. To give them enough time to establish before the cold weather sets in, it’s recommended to plant them early in the growing season, ideally in spring or early fall. Florist mums should be planted about six weeks before a hard freeze, while garden mums are best planted in spring or divided and planted in the fall.
Once you’ve planted your mums, providing them with the right care will help them thrive. Make sure to water them regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Additionally, feeding your mums with fertilizers specially formulated for flowering plants can promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
To encourage a prolonged bloom cycle, it’s important to pinch off spent blooms. This practice stimulates the production of new buds and can result in a second wave of blooming. Pinching should be done regularly throughout the growing season, particularly during spring and early summer, when the mums are actively growing.
Summary
Growing mums in pots is a fantastic way to add visual interest and color to your outdoor spaces. By choosing the right pot, using well-draining soil, and providing proper care, you can ensure your mums thrive and produce stunning blooms. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you enjoy the beauty of mums in pots throughout the growing season.
Comparison of Growing Mums in Pots vs. in the Ground
| Aspect | Growing Mums in Pots | Growing Mums in the Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Space Requirement | Requires less space | Requires more space |
| Portability | Can be easily moved | Cannot be moved once planted |
| Protection | May need additional winter protection | Can withstand winter conditions better |
| Control | Allows for better control over soil and moisture | Relies on natural soil and moisture conditions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, mums can be a beautiful addition to your garden or pots, but their ability to come back every year depends on several factors. Garden mums, with their stolons and perennial nature, have the potential to return year after year, bringing vibrant blooms to your outdoor space. On the other hand, florist mums, lacking stolons and grown specifically for the florist trade, are less likely to survive the winter.
To ensure the success of your mums, it is important to understand the difference between these two types and provide the appropriate care. By planting garden mums in well-drained soil and full sun, and choosing the right time for planting, such as spring or early fall, you can increase their chances of thriving. For florist mums, consider planting them about six weeks before a hard freeze to allow them to establish.
Proper care is key to the perennial bloom cycle of mums. Watering, mulching, and feeding with fertilizers will provide the necessary nutrients and support for their growth. Additionally, pinching off spent blooms can encourage a second wave of blooming, extending the beauty of your mums. If you prefer growing mums in pots, remember to select an appropriate pot size, use well-draining soil, and provide regular watering and fertilizing.
By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and resilience of mums year after year. Whether they grace your garden or decorate your pots, mums can bring a touch of beauty and nature to your outdoor spaces.
FAQ
Do mums come back every year in pots?
Yes, mums can come back every year in pots if they are properly cared for. However, they may require additional protection during the winter.
What is the difference between florist mums and garden mums?
Florist mums are compact potted plants that are grown for the florist trade and generally do not return each year. Garden mums grow in a looser habit, have stolons, and reliably return year after year.
How do I plant and care for mums?
To ensure mums come back every year, plant them early in the growing season in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide proper care such as watering, mulching, and feeding with fertilizers. Pinching off spent blooms can encourage a second wave of blooming.
What are some tips for growing mums in pots?
When growing mums in pots, choose the right size pot, use well-draining soil, and provide regular watering and fertilizing. Place the pots in an area with full sun. Mums in pots may need additional protection during the winter.
Will Mums Come Back Every Year in Pots If I Follow Your Guide?
Yes, mums in spring bloom will come back every year in pots if you follow the right guide. Make sure to choose a good location, keep the soil well-drained, and provide adequate sunlight. With proper care, your mums will continue to flourish and bloom beautifully in your pots year after year.
