Fall Mums Care Guide 2025: How to Choose, Plant & Keep Chrysanthemums Blooming All Season

There’s something undeniably enchanting about chrysanthemums. Maybe it’s because they’re my birthflower, or maybe it’s the way they seem to capture autumn’s golden glow in every petal. Every year, as the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to tumble, I find myself drawn to the farmers’ market in search of the perfect mums. Their cheerful blooms, ranging from deep burgundy to sunny yellow, feel like nature’s way of celebrating the season. Back in my Southern hometown, they’re more than just flowers—they’re part of our homecoming tradition, worn proudly to football games and tucked into corsages that carry stories of generations past.

The Magic of Mums: A Love Letter

This guide is for anyone who shares my affection for these mystical, scented, golden blooms of happiness and celebration. Giving you more insight on how to choose, decorate with, and care for them all season long.

How to Choose the Best Mums at the Farmers Market

When shopping for mums, especially at your local farmers’ market, look for plants that are just beginning to bloom. These will last longer and give you the joy of watching them open day by day. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best:

• Inspect the foliage: Healthy mums have lush, green leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing.
• Check the buds: Go for plants with tight buds rather than full blooms. This ensures a longer display period.
• Feel the soil: It should be slightly moist, not soggy or bone dry.
• Ask the grower: Many local farmers are happy to share tips on how they were grown and what varieties they offer.

Choosing the perfect bloom is a bit like matchmaking—you want the ones that speak to your heart and suit your space.

Decorating with Mums Through the Season

Mums are incredibly versatile when it comes to fall decorating. Whether you’re sprucing up your porch, setting a festive table, or adding warmth to your living room, these flowers bring instant charm.

• Porch appeal: Pair mums with pumpkins, hay bales, and rustic crates for a classic autumn look.
• Table centerpieces: Use small potted mums in decorative containers or mix cut blooms with seasonal foliage.
• Mantel magic: Arrange mums with candles, pinecones, and mini gourds for cozy indoor vibes.
• Window boxes and hanging baskets: Mix mums with trailing ivy or ornamental cabbage for texture and color.

Their vibrant hues and full blooms make them the perfect companion for fall festivities, and they’re especially meaningful during homecoming season. In many Southern towns, it’s tradition to wear a chrysanthemum corsage to the big game—a nod to school spirit and seasonal beauty.

Chrysanthemum Care: Keeping Your Mums Happy

To keep your mums blooming beautifully, a little TLC goes a long way. Here’s how to care for them throughout the season:

• Sunlight: They absolutely love the sun. Place them where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and extend the flowering period.
• Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep your plants nourished.

If you’re decorating with the potted ones, remember they can be transplanted later. Once the season winds down, you can give them a permanent home in your garden.

Planting Mums for Winter and Beyond

Yes, you can plant mums in the ground—even in late fall. Here’s how to do it right:

• Choose a sunny spot: They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
• Dig deep: Make sure the hole is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Mulch generously: Add a thick layer of mulch to protect roots from winter frost.
• Water well: Give them a good soak after planting to help them settle in.

While the plants may go dormant in winter, they’ll surprise you with fresh blooms next fall if properly cared for. In warmer Southern climates, they often overwinter successfully and return year after year.

Final Thoughts: A Bloom That Feels Like Home

For me, chrysanthemums are more than just flowers—they’re a seasonal ritual, a symbol of homecoming, and a reminder of nature’s quiet resilience. Whether you’re picking them out at the farmers market, decorating your porch, or planting them for next year’s garden, these fall beauties bring joy and warmth to every corner of autumn. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a town where homecoming means corsages and Friday night lights, you know that a single bloom can carry a whole lot of heart.

So go ahead—fall in love with mums this season. They’re waiting to bloom just for you.