The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Come September in the U.S.,mumsare as ubiquitous as pumpkins during fall harvest.

it’s possible for you to find them everywhere and anywhere, from nurseries to supermarkets to gas stations.

However, once you get them home, mums are incredibly easy to kill.

red mums

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

However, you’re able to keep these beautiful flowers alive with a little tender loving care.

The Spruce

Choose a Strong Plant

Choosing the right plantis key to having it thrive.

Look for plants with leaves that are deep green and healthy, not droopy.

how not to kill mums illustration

The Spruce

Find plants that have lots of buds and not too many blooms.

Where you once had full, unobstructed sun, a tree or building may now be blocking the light.

Observe how long the sun is hitting your pot each dayyou might be surprised.

mums in a new pot

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Water (But Not Too Much)

Mums do not like soil to get dry.

When the leaves are droopingwhich can happen incredibly quicklythey need to be watered.

have a go at water them before they get to that point.

beautiful, healthy mums

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

However, don’t forget about it, as the plant can drown.

However, deadheading mums are worth the trouble.

The plants benefit greatly from it and look much better when finished.

If you keep up with deadheading, chances are themums will last longerand may repeat bloom.

Garden Mums.University of Kentucky Extension