Why Chrysanthemums Are Already Appearing in Stores: Understanding the Fall Flower Trend.
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, have started appearing in garden stores over the past couple of weeks. As the most popular fall flowers, mums signal the approaching change of seasons. However, with summer still in full swing before Labor Day, many might wonder why mums are already making an appearance.
The Emotional Response to Early Mums
For some, like my friend and former colleague Wayne Beckwith, the arrival of mums in stores is a bittersweet moment. Wayne saw the first shipment of mums as a reminder that summer was ending and that winter was not far behind. Others feel similarly about the early arrival of pumpkin spice-flavored products, associating them with the inevitable end of warmer days.
The Short Lifespan of Early Mums
The mums currently being sold won’t last throughout the entire fall season. Due to the warmer temperatures, once these mums start blooming, their flowers typically last only two to three weeks. These early blooms are intended for those looking to decorate with fresh, live flowers ahead of the Labor Day holiday. However, they are just a preview of what’s to come. More mums will be available throughout September, similar to how spring flowers are sold. Greenhouses grow mums in multiple crops to ensure continuous availability throughout the season.
Timing Your Mums Purchase
It’s important to understand which crop of mums you’re buying. Mums are grown in stages, with different crops reaching their peak bloom at different times during the fall. The first crop, available in August, is followed by additional crops in early and late September, with the final crop reaching its peak in early to mid-October. When purchasing mums, consider when you want them to bloom. If you’re replacing fading summer flowers with mums, remember that mums only produce one set of blooms and won’t flower throughout the entire season.
Maximizing Bloom Time
To enjoy your mums’ color for as long as possible, choose plants with tight buds. As September progresses, you’ll find mums at different stages of bloom. Some will be fully flowered and vibrant, perfect if you need instant color. However, these will only last for a week or two before fading. For longer-lasting color, opt for mums with tight buds, which haven’t yet shown their full color. If you’re particular about the color, rely on the plant’s tag or choose mums where the buds are just beginning to crack open, showing a hint of their hue.
Planning for Mums in Your Garden
In the past, mums were often planted after frost had killed off summer flowers. But today, many flowers planted in May can remain vibrant well into October. If you want to transition your garden to a fall theme, you’ll need to remove spring flowers early. Waiting for frost to naturally end your summer blooms might mean missing out on finding mums. To ensure a colorful display of mums in October, plan to purchase them by the beginning of the month at the latest.
By understanding the timing and care of mums, you can make the most of their vibrant colors throughout the fall season.