Mums are a fall staple in Florida, but keeping them fresh throughout the season takes some know-how. These 9 steps help extend their beauty and bloom time.
I’ve grown mums for years and can honestly say these tricks work wonders. Give them a try and enjoy mums that last longer this fall.
1. Choose Healthy Plants
Look for mums with more buds than open flowers when shopping at Florida garden centers. Plants with lots of unopened buds will give you weeks more color than those already in full bloom.
Check underneath leaves for pests or discoloration before bringing them home. Florida’s warm climate can harbor insects that might already be stressing the plant.
2. Proper Placement
Morning sun with afternoon shade works best for mums in Florida’s intense heat. Too much direct sunlight will cause flowers to fade quickly and stress the plant during hot autumn days.
Place potted mums where they’ll be protected from strong Florida winds that can break stems and damage blooms. A sheltered porch or garden nook provides ideal protection.
3. Consistent Watering
Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Florida’s fall can still bring considerable heat, causing mums to dry out quickly, especially in containers.
Avoid overhead watering which can lead to fungal issues in our humid climate. Instead, direct water at the soil level to keep foliage dry while ensuring roots get moisture.
4. Mulch Application
Apply a 2-inch layer of pine straw or bark mulch around garden-planted mums. This helps maintain consistent soil moisture in Florida’s unpredictable fall weather patterns.
Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for nutrients and keeps soil temperatures more stable. Many Florida gardeners find pine needle mulch works particularly well with mums.
5. Deadhead Regularly
Remove spent blooms promptly by pinching them off at the stem. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and encourages more flowers to develop.
In Florida’s extended growing season, consistent deadheading can promote additional blooming cycles. Many gardeners throughout the Sunshine State find this simple task significantly extends their mum display.
6. Fertilize Appropriately
Feed mums with a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote blooming rather than leafy growth. Florida’s sandy soils often lack essential nutrients that mums need to thrive.
Apply fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks while plants are flowering. Many Florida gardeners have success using organic options like fish emulsion diluted properly for our warmer climate.
7. Pest Management
Check plants weekly for aphids and spider mites, which love Florida’s mild fall temperatures. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests before they become problematic.
For persistent issues, try neem oil or insecticidal soap applied in the evening when temperatures cool. Florida gardeners often find these gentle solutions effective without harming beneficial insects.
8. Container Considerations
Use pots with excellent drainage holes if growing mums in containers. Florida’s sudden downpours can quickly waterlog plants, leading to root rot and early decline.
Consider double-potting by placing your decorative container around a plain nursery pot. This method, popular with Florida gardeners, allows for easy plant rotation and replacement as needed.
9. Weather Protection
Be prepared to cover mums during unexpected late-season storms that occasionally hit Florida. A light sheet or frost cloth can protect blooms from heavy rain or wind damage.
Move potted plants to sheltered locations when severe weather threatens. Florida’s unpredictable autumn weather patterns often include brief temperature fluctuations that can stress flowering plants.