Fall in Pennsylvania just wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant colors of mums decorating porches and gardens. These autumn favorites can bring joy for weeks, but they often fizzle out before the season ends.
With Pennsylvania’s unpredictable fall weather swinging from warm days to frosty nights, keeping your mums looking fresh can be tricky.
1. Pick The Right Mums From The Start
Shopping for mums with tight, barely-opened buds gives you the longest display time. Many garden centers sell mums already in full bloom, which might look gorgeous but won’t last through the season.
Look for plants with deep green foliage and multiple buds. A healthy root system matters too – gently slip the plant from its pot to check for white, firm roots that fill the container without being root-bound.
2. Water Properly Without Drowning
Mums have a secret thirst that needs careful attention. They require consistent moisture but hate soggy feet. Check your plants daily by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Morning watering works best in Pennsylvania’s climate, giving leaves time to dry before evening temperatures drop. Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to prevent fungal issues that cause those dreaded crispy leaves.
3. Find The Sweet Spot For Sunlight
Pennsylvania’s autumn sun isn’t as intense as summer rays, making it perfect for mums. Position your plants where they’ll receive 6 hours of sunlight daily, preferably morning sun with afternoon shade during warmer fall days.
Eastern exposures work wonderfully in most Pennsylvania yards. When temperatures spike unexpectedly (as they often do in PA’s fickle fall weather), temporarily move potted mums to shadier spots to prevent stress that leads to crispy edges.
4. Feed Your Mums A Fall Feast
Hungry mums need proper nutrition to keep blooming through Pennsylvania’s extended fall season. Apply a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer when you first bring your mums home to encourage flowers rather than leafy growth.
Look for formulations specifically designed for flowering plants, like a 5-10-5 blend. Liquid fertilizers work fastest when you need a quick boost. After mid-October, stop fertilizing entirely as plants naturally begin to slow down for winter.
5. Deadhead Like A Professional Gardener
Snip, snip! Regular deadheading keeps mums blooming longer instead of wasting energy on seed production. When individual flowers fade, pinch or cut them off just above the first set of healthy leaves.
For Pennsylvania gardeners dealing with early fall heat waves, deadheading becomes even more crucial as flowers may fade faster. Carry small scissors during your morning coffee garden walk to make this task easy. You’ll be rewarded with fresh blooms replacing the spent ones.
6. Shield From Pennsylvania’s Surprise Frosts
Pennsylvania’s fall weather can turn frosty overnight, catching gardeners off guard. Keep lightweight frost cloths or old bedsheets handy for those nights when temperatures dip below 32°F. Cover plants before sunset and remove covers in the morning.
Potted mums have an advantage – you can simply bring them into a garage or enclosed porch on frost-warning nights. A Pennsylvania gardener’s trick: Christmas lights strung under the covers provide just enough warmth to protect blooms during light frosts.
7. Control Pests Before They Control Your Mums
Aphids and spider mites love munching on mums, especially during Pennsylvania’s dry fall spells. These tiny troublemakers can cause leaves to yellow and crisp faster than autumn changes the trees.
Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly and spray with insecticidal soap at the first sign of pests. A forceful stream of water works wonders for knocking off aphids. For organic Pennsylvania gardens, introduce ladybugs – nature’s pest control squad – to keep the munch monsters at bay.
8. Mulch Magic For Root Protection
Pennsylvania’s temperature swings from warm days to cool nights can stress mum roots. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around in-ground or potted mums to maintain consistent soil temperature and moisture.
Shredded leaves make perfect free mulch – convenient since they’re falling all around you! Keep mulch slightly away from stems to prevent rot. This natural blanket helps Pennsylvania mums weather the roller coaster of fall temperatures while keeping roots cozy and leaves perky.