How Long Will Mums Last? Expert Tips on Extending Their Lifespan

Garden mums usually bloom for 4 to 6 weeks and often return yearly if planted early enough to root. Cut flowers last 1 to 2 weeks.

Garden mums

Mums in the ground bloom for 4 to 6 weeks in fall. Each flower lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Florist mums (potted) are less hardy.

Perennial

Hardy garden mums come back in zones 5 to 9 if planted by early fall so roots establish at least 6 weeks before frost.

Cut flowers

Cut mums last 2 to 3 weeks in a vase with fresh water, trimmed stems and flower food.

Care

• Water when the soil is dry.
• Full sun (6 hours).
• Deadhead.
• Mulch for winter.

Tip

Buy plants with many closed buds for the longest display.

Cut back

In spring, pinch back until July 4 for bushier plants.

Garden mums in detail

Garden mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) are sold in fall as potted plants for color. They are hardy perennials in USDA zones 5 to 9, though many are treated as annuals because they are planted late and have shallow roots. A well rooted mum planted in spring can come back for years.

How long they last

Potted mums in bloom last 4 to 6 weeks, and individual flowers can last 2 to 3 weeks. A mum bought in full bloom has less time to bloom than one with tight buds, which will open over several weeks. Plants in the ground can return for 3 to 5 years or more if cared for, and may live 10 years when divided regularly.

Perennial versus florist mums

Florist mums, grown in greenhouses for gifts, are not as hardy as garden mums and are usually short lived outdoors. Garden mums are bred for strong roots and cold tolerance. Check the label for “hardy” mums.

Cut flowers

Cut chrysanthemums are among the longest lasting cut flowers, typically staying fresh for 2 to 3 weeks in a vase and sometimes longer. They are one of the top six cut flowers sold worldwide.

Care

• Plant in full sun, at least 6 hours a day, in well drained soil.
• Water regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but not soggy. Potted mums can dry out quickly.
• Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
• For fall planting, plant at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost to allow roots to establish.
• Mulch with 2 to 3 inches after the ground freezes to protect roots.
• Fertilize in spring, and stop by midsummer.

Cut flower care

• Cut stems at an angle and remove lower leaves.
• Use clean vase water and flower food. Change the water every 2 to 3 days.
• Keep away from fruit, direct heat and sun.

Tip

Pinch back new growth in spring until about July 4 to create bushy plants with more blooms in fall. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in spring.

Cut back

In late fall, leave stems standing over winter for insulation, then cut them to about 2 inches in spring when new growth appears.

Care and bloom times

Garden mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) bloom in fall for 4 to 6 weeks, and may return as perennials in zones 5 to 9 if planted in spring so roots establish before winter. Florist mums sold in pots as gifts often last 2 to 4 weeks indoors and are bred for forcing. Mums need full sun, well-drained soil and consistent water. Pinch growing tips until early July to encourage bushy growth. Cut flower mums keep 2 to 3 weeks in a vase when stems are cut at an angle and water is changed every 2 days. Mulch after the first frost to protect roots. Remove spent blooms to extend flowering.

Based on data from university extension services and the Royal Horticultural Society