There’s nothing that says fall quite like a front porch full of mums. I love how they instantly make a space feel warm, seasonal, and inviting — but keeping them looking fresh can be a little tricky. After a few years (and a few wilted pots later), I’ve learned a handful of simple ways to keep them thriving all season long.
1. Choose the Right Plants
When you’re shopping, look for mums that have plenty of tightly closed buds — they’ll last longer and bloom beautifully once you bring them home. Fully open flowers are gorgeous for a few days but fade much faster.
2. Soak Before You Pot
Before transferring your mums into a decorative planter, give them a good drink. I like to fill a bucket or sink with water and soak the entire grower’s pot for about 30 minutes — this lets the roots absorb plenty of moisture and helps the plant adjust better once it’s in its new home.
3. Don’t Let Them Dry Out
Mums love consistent moisture. The soil should stay slightly damp — not soggy, but never bone dry. I like to check mine every morning and give them a good soak if the top inch of soil feels dry.
4. Give Them Good Drainage
If you’re using decorative pots, make sure there’s drainage underneath. Sitting water can cause root rot, which is the fastest way to lose them. I usually slip the grower’s pot into a pretty basket or ceramic planter so the water can still drain freely.
5. Find the Right Spot
Mums do best with plenty of sunlight — at least 4 to 6 hours a day. I like to keep ours near the front steps where they get morning light but a little shade in the afternoon.
6. Deadhead Regularly
To keep them blooming longer, snip off the spent flowers every few days. It encourages new buds to open and keeps the plants looking neat and full.
7. Protect from Cold Snaps
If a sudden cold front is coming through, move your pots closer to the house or cover them overnight. Mums are hardy, but a quick frost can shorten their lifespan.
With just a little extra care, mums can stay beautiful well into late fall. I love the tradition of picking them up every September — it’s such a simple way to bring color, life, and a bit of seasonal charm to your home.
