Fall in Illinois brings cooler temperatures and stunning autumn colors, making it the perfect time to brighten your yard with beautiful mums.
These cheerful flowers can transform your porch, garden, or walkway into a colorful display that lasts for weeks. With the right care and attention, your mums will stay vibrant and healthy throughout the entire season, giving you more beauty for your money.
1. Choose Hardy Garden Mums Over Florist Varieties
Garden mums are bred to survive outdoor conditions and handle Illinois weather much better than florist mums. When shopping at your local nursery, look for plants labeled as hardy or garden mums.
Florist mums might look pretty, but they’re designed for indoor arrangements and won’t last long outside. Garden varieties have stronger root systems that can handle temperature changes and even light frosts.
Your investment pays off when these tough plants keep blooming week after week through autumn.
2. Plant Mums in Well-Draining Soil With Good Sunlight
Mums absolutely love sunshine and need at least six hours of direct light daily to produce their best blooms. Find a spot in your yard that gets plenty of morning and afternoon sun.
Soil drainage matters just as much because waterlogged roots lead to rot and disease. Mix in some compost or peat moss if your soil holds too much water.
Proper placement from the start gives your mums the foundation they need to thrive beautifully all season long.
3. Water Consistently Without Overdoing It
Finding the right watering balance keeps mums healthy without causing root problems. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the dirt.
If it feels dry at that depth, your plants need water. Give them a good soaking at the base rather than sprinkling water on the flowers and leaves.
Early morning watering works best because it allows foliage to dry before evening. Wet leaves overnight can invite fungal diseases that damage your beautiful blooms.
4. Deadhead Spent Blooms To Encourage New Flowers
Removing faded flowers might seem like extra work, but it actually tricks your mums into producing more blooms. Pinch off diseased blossoms right where they meet the stem using your fingers or small scissors.
This process redirects the plant’s energy from making seeds to creating fresh flowers instead. You’ll notice new buds forming within days of deadheading.
Regular maintenance keeps your display looking fresh and colorful rather than tired and brown around the edges throughout October.
5. Add Mulch Around Plants For Temperature Protection
A two-inch layer of mulch acts like a cozy blanket for mum roots during chilly Illinois nights. Spread organic materials like shredded bark, wood chips, or pine needles around each plant.
Mulch helps maintain steady soil temperatures and prevents moisture from evaporating too quickly. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to avoid rot issues.
This simple step extends your mums’ blooming period by protecting them from early frost damage and sudden temperature swings common in Midwest autumns.
6. Feed Your Mums With Balanced Fertilizer
Mums are heavy feeders that appreciate regular nutrition to support their abundant blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two weeks.
Liquid fertilizers work faster, while slow-release granules provide steady feeding over time. Always water plants before fertilizing to prevent burning the roots.
Stop feeding once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees, as plants naturally slow their growth. Proper nutrition creates stronger stems and more vibrant colors throughout the season.
7. Protect Mums From Early Frost Damage
Illinois can experience surprise frost in late September or early October that threatens your mum display. Watch weather forecasts and cover plants with old sheets, blankets, or frost cloth when temperatures drop near freezing.
Remove coverings once morning temperatures rise above 40 degrees so plants can breathe and receive sunlight. Containers can be moved to protected areas like covered porches or garages overnight.
Taking these precautions extends your mums’ beauty for several additional weeks beyond that first cold snap.
8. Consider Overwintering Mums For Next Year’s Display
With proper care, many garden mums can survive Illinois winters and return next spring. After the first hard frost destroys the foliage, cut plants back to about four inches above ground level.
Cover the crown with six inches of mulch, straw, or leaves for insulation against harsh winter conditions. Remove this protective layer gradually in spring once new growth appears.
Success rates vary depending on variety and winter severity, but attempting to overwinter costs nothing and might reward you with free flowers next fall.