Mums are a fall favorite in New York, but they can lose their charm if not cared for properly. These 10 tips keep them looking fresh well into the season.
I’ve tried several myself and noticed a big difference when following these tricks. Give them a shot and enjoy mums that stay vibrant all autumn.
1. Water Wisely
Morning watering gives mums time to dry before cool New York nights set in. Check soil daily by sticking your finger an inch deep – if it’s dry, water thoroughly at the base, not on leaves.
New Yorkers often underwater during busy weekdays. A self-watering container can be a lifesaver when autumn schedules get hectic, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging roots.
2. Perfect Placement
Find a spot with 6+ hours of sunshine but afternoon shade during hot spells. New York’s fluctuating fall temperatures can stress mums, so strategic positioning matters enormously.
Avoid placing pots near building vents or dryer exhausts. The hot, dry air that blasts from these sources will quickly crisp up even well-watered mums, a common mistake in NYC apartment gardens.
3. Mulch Magic
Spread a thin layer of pine straw or bark chips around your mums. This natural blanket helps soil retain moisture during those dry autumn days common across New York state.
The mulch also insulates roots against temperature swings. Just keep it from touching the stems directly to prevent rot issues, especially important in the humid valleys of upstate regions.
4. Deadhead Diligently
Snip spent blooms before they wilt completely. This simple practice redirects your plant’s energy to fresh buds instead of seed production, extending the flowering period significantly.
New York gardeners who deadhead twice weekly see remarkable results. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just above a leaf node, giving your mums that professionally-maintained look throughout the season.
5. Container Considerations
Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terra cotta works beautifully in New York’s climate, allowing excess moisture to evaporate through its porous surface during unexpected rainy periods.
Size matters tremendously for fall mums. Select containers at least 2 inches wider than the original nursery pot to give roots room to spread without becoming cramped or waterlogged.
6. Fertilize Carefully
Feed mums with half-strength liquid fertilizer until buds show color. New York’s shorter growing season means you’ll want to stop feeding by early October to avoid pushing tender new growth.
Choose a bloom-boosting formula with higher phosphorus content. The middle number on fertilizer packages should be highest – this encourages flowers rather than leaf production, perfect for autumn displays.
7. Protective Measures
Cover mums with lightweight sheets when frost threatens. New York’s unpredictable weather means keeping weather alerts handy – an unexpected cold snap can damage plants overnight if you’re unprepared.
Remove coverings each morning once temperatures rise. Leaving plants wrapped too long creates humidity that can lead to fungal issues, especially in densely planted areas typical of New York community gardens.
8. Pest Patrol
Inspect leaves weekly for aphids and spider mites. These tiny pests love mums and can quickly cause yellowing or browning, especially in drier New York autumn conditions.
A strong spray of water often dislodges minor infestations. For persistent problems, try insecticidal soap applied in early morning or evening when beneficial insects are less active in your garden.
9. Proper Pruning
Remove any yellowing lower leaves promptly. These drain energy and can harbor disease, especially during New York’s foggy fall mornings when moisture lingers on foliage.
Maintain good air circulation by thinning crowded stems. Use clean pruners and make cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting on cut surfaces, reducing fungal problems common in the Northeast.
10. Soil Solutions
Mix compost into your potting medium for slow-release nutrients. New York’s diverse growing regions benefit from locally-produced compost that’s adapted to regional soil conditions and pH levels.
Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. Adding perlite or coarse sand improves drainage significantly, preventing the root rot that often plagues mums in New York’s rainy fall seasons.