Fall in Michigan brings spectacular colors, cooler temperatures, and the beloved tradition of decorating with chrysanthemums. But keeping these autumn favorites looking fresh past the first frost can be tricky in our unpredictable Midwest climate. For me, extending mum season through Thanksgiving has been a yearly challenge in my Michigan garden.
With early frosts, fluctuating temperatures, and sudden weather changes, mums often fade before we’re ready to say goodbye. Thankfully, I’ve discovered several techniques that have transformed my short-lived mum displays into season-long beauties. Here are eight proven strategies to keep your mums thriving throughout Michigan’s fall season.
1. Choose Michigan-Hardy Varieties
Garden centers offer many mum varieties, but not all can handle Michigan’s temperamental fall weather. Look for cushion mums or hardy garden mums specifically labeled for zones 4-5.
These tough varieties have been bred to withstand our early frosts and temperature swings. Ask local nurseries which cultivars perform best in your specific Michigan region.
I’ve had remarkable success with ‘Mammoth’ series mums in my West Michigan garden. Their deep-rooted systems and cold-tolerant genetics mean they often return year after year, even surviving our harshest winters.
2. Plant Early For Strong Roots
Rushing to plant mums in late September is a common Michigan gardening mistake. Early planting allows root systems to establish before cold weather hits.
Aim to get your mums in the ground by late August or early September. Gently loosen the root ball before planting to encourage roots to spread into surrounding soil.
Last year, I planted identical mums in mid-August and mid-September. By November, the early-planted ones still looked fantastic while the later batch struggled with the first hard frost that swept through our area.
3. Master The Watering Balance
Michigan’s fall brings unpredictable moisture – sometimes bone dry, sometimes soaking wet. Consistent watering is crucial for mum survival.
Water deeply at the base of plants in mornings, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering which promotes fungal issues in our humid fall conditions.
I’ve installed simple drip irrigation for my mum beds which has been a game-changer. Even during October’s busy schedule, my plants receive consistent moisture without the stress of wet foliage that leads to those dreaded crispy leaves.
4. Create A Protective Mulch Layer
Michigan’s temperature fluctuations can stress mum roots. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch acts as insulation against these swings.
Pine straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch work beautifully. Keep the mulch pulled slightly away from stems to prevent rot while still protecting the critical root zone.
When that surprise October cold snap hit last year, my mulched mums sailed through unscathed while my neighbor’s unmulched plants suffered significant damage. The difference was striking – proof that this simple step pays huge dividends.
5. Feed With The Right Nutrients
Hungry mums can’t sustain beautiful blooms through Michigan’s long fall season. A balanced fertilizer approach makes all the difference in plant longevity.
Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 5-10-5) when buds first appear. This encourages blooms without promoting tender new growth that can’t handle frost.
I apply liquid seaweed extract monthly through September in my Upper Peninsula garden. This gentle feeding strengthens cell walls, making plants naturally more resilient to the cold nights that arrive earlier in the northern part of our state.
6. Deadhead Strategically for Continuous Blooms
Spent flowers drain energy from mum plants, hastening decline as Michigan’s fall progresses. Regular deadheading redirects the plant’s resources to developing new buds.
Snip faded blooms just above the first set of healthy leaves. For larger mum displays, I dedicate five minutes each morning to this task while enjoying my coffee.
The difference between deadheaded and neglected mums becomes dramatically apparent by late October. My maintained plants continue producing fresh flowers while untended ones become increasingly brown and crispy around the edges.
7. Shield From Harsh Weather
Michigan’s unpredictable fall brings sudden frosts that can damage mums overnight. Creating temporary protection extends bloom time significantly.
Keep old sheets, frost cloth, or lightweight blankets ready for frost warnings. Cover plants before sunset and remove covers by mid-morning to prevent overheating.
For my prized mums near the patio, I’ve fashioned simple PVC hoops that hold covers above the plants. This prevents heavy covers from crushing blooms while still providing that crucial layer of protection during our early November cold snaps.
8. Position Plants Strategically
Location dramatically affects mum longevity in Michigan gardens. Southern exposures with afternoon shade create ideal microclimate conditions for extended blooming.
Plant near structures that radiate heat—brick walls, large rocks, or concrete paths. These absorb daytime warmth and release it slowly, protecting nearby mums from nighttime temperature drops.
My most successful mums grow along my south-facing garage foundation. This sheltered spot remains several degrees warmer than the open garden, keeping plants blooming beautifully through Thanksgiving when other garden mums have long since faded.