In the fall, popular potted chrysanthemums adorn the shelves of many stores, garden centers and petrol stations. These are classic last-minute gifts and add a pop of pretty color to fall-decorated front porches.
At the end of the season, when the first frosts hit, these potted plants often end up in the trash or (preferably) the compost heap. If this feels like a waste and you’re wondering if you can plant supermarket mums in the ground, we’ve got you covered.
We spoke to the experts to find out whether it’s worth trying to plant store-bought varieties in your yard or if it’s better to stick with growing hardy garden mums.
What Are the Differences Between Store-Bought Mums and Garden Mums?
Florist or store-bought potted mums are not bred to be grown in the ground.
“Mums that florists typically purchase are grown specifically for cut flower production,” Nicole Dillon, micro-flower farmer and master gardener, says. She explains they have especially long stems that won’t look natural in a landscaping setting.
Garden mum expert QiuXia Chen explains that the differences between potted mums and garden mums relate to their flower size, branching, flowering times, plant habit and vigor. Fall potted mums typically have larger flower sizes and aren’t cold-hardy. Free-branching, smaller-bloomed, ball-mounding, hardier garden mums are designed to grow naturally in the ground, usually flowering between late August and October.
“Garden mums are okay to be grown in containers during their first fall to decorate the porch, but after all blooms are spent, it’s best to plant them in the ground,” Dillon says. “Soil helps protect their root systems from cold weather, provides proper space for further root development, and gives the plants access to vital nutrients.”
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Can You Grow Store-Bought Mums in the Ground?
It is possible to grow store-bought mums in the ground, but given this isn’t where they have been bred to grow, get ready for a challenge.
Chen doesn’t recommend planting potted mums in the ground. As well as not being good with the cold, she says they tend to become tall and leggy before blooming. However, if you are going to give it a try, she recommends cutting the plant back to two-thirds the size before planting and fertilizing regularly.
Dillon says she has personally had many successes and a few failures growing cold-sensitive potted mums in the ground. She says you’ll need to place them in a full sun location and, in colder climates, look for an area that provides a microclimate to keep the plant warm.
“The heat that a foundation absorbs can be just enough to keep the plant happy,” she says.
Well-draining soil is a must as they are prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Dillon recommends about half an inch of water per week.
A layer of mulch can help keep your mums alive by protecting their roots from frosts. However, be aware that if they survive the winter, there’s a chance your store-bought mums won’t bloom the following season, so it is often best to treat them as annuals.
When to Plant Mums in the Ground?
The earlier you can plant your mums in the ground, the better. While potted mums are typically available to buy in the fall, Chen explains that planting in early spring after the last frosts “gives garden mums a season of warm weather to grow a strong root system.”
With fall potted mums, don’t wait until the end of the season before you transfer the plants to the ground. Dillon recommends planting six to eight weeks before your first fall frost.
“You will need to buy a mum that is already budded up to see flowers in its first season,” she says.
Mum Fall Flower Alternatives to Grow in the Ground
If you don’t want to gamble with planting supermarket potted mums or want a change from garden mums, many alternative hardy, fall-blooming perennials can provide a pop of color in your yard.
Dillon recommends growing asters.
“They not only provide beautiful fall color, but they are native to much of the United States, and they are an important nectar plant for migratory pollinators,” she says.
