Getting the Most from Your Fall Porch Mums
I love the masses of colorful mums we have for sale at fdp. When I’m selecting mums for the shop, I go for the gusto. Fall is short around here, and I think our porches deserve big, lush mums in all the glorious colors of the season. I stock hardy mums, so if you choose, you can plant them in your garden and give them a chance to come back next year.
Spring planting gives perennial mums the greatest chance of success, but there’s nothing to lose by giving your porch mums a go once they’ve lived their best life bringing fabulous fall color to your front porch.
Tips for getting the most from your hardy mums in Western Pennsylvania.
1. Choose Hardy Mums
Look for mums labeled hardy mums or garden mums, rather than florist mums. These are the varieties with the best chance of coming back next year.
2. Give Them Sunshine and Good Drainage
Mums love sunshine, so choose a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight. If you plant them in your garden, make sure the soil drains well. Mums hate wet feet, especially in winter.
3. Keep Them Watered
Check your mums regularly and water when the soil feels dry. Potted mums can dry out quickly on sunny fall days, so give them a good drink.
4. Give Them a Chance to Come Back
Plant your mums in the garden before the ground freezes. Leave the old stems standing through winter and cut them back in spring when new growth appears.
A Note About Western Pennsylvania
We’re generally in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6a. True hardy mums can survive our winters, but success depends on the specific variety, planting time, drainage, and how well the roots establish. Not every mum will make it through, and that’s okay. Sometimes a mum has done exactly what we asked of it: made the front porch fabulous for fall. And if it comes back next year? Well, that’s a pretty great bonus.
Come see our fall mums at fdp studio+shop. I’ve selected masses of lush, colorful plants to make your porch feel like fall has officially arrived.
Lynn
I didn't know this!