When the nights get longer, and the days cooler, the mums really start to perform! Mums are cool weather perennials, and need darkness in order to start blooming, that's one of the reasons for their late bloom cycle. Many of the florist mums don't even start to bloom until late October or November. They aren't as hardy as garden mums, as well. They do well in areas that are a little more mild than here in Northern Utah where I live. But, their beauty and color in the fall is so wonderful that I still plant florist mums every year! But, I also have a nice variety of garden mums. Mums are perennials that are planted after all danger of frost is gone in early spring. I pinch mine back until about July 4th--this makes for a bushier, more prolific plant. Then they bud out and grow until their bloom in the fall--some as early as September, but the majority of them bloom in October, and, of course, the florist mums in late October and November. I love their long-lasting bright blooms, coming in various shapes and sizes. They are great in arrangements, lasting a full week or more, and I love their fresh, floral smell. They don't have many, if any, disease or pest problems, and are very easy to grow. I order mine from KINGS MUMS, out of Oregon. I highly recommend this family-owned business. They have a wide variety of mums of all kinds and are great to work with. Order in the fall or winter months to receive your shipment in the spring. Every garden should have some of these beauties!
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