Do Mums Come Back Every Year? Experts Share How to Keep Them Growing for Seasons to Come

Mums put on a gorgeous display of orange, red, and pink blooms during the cool fall months. Perennial varieties will come back every year—but only if you provide them with the proper care. The right amount of sunlight and water is important, but so is employing the correct overwintering methods.

Ultimately, all of the extra work is worth it to see your mums return year after year. Here, experts provide advice on how to make it happen.

Perennial Varieties

There are two common types of mums: garden mums and florist mums.

“While both are technically perennials, florist mums are only hardy in zones 7 to 9,” says Sam Niemann, landscape designer and founder of Bleume and Grown by Design. “They usually have larger flowers and are often sold at grocery stores or as gift plants."

Garden mums, meanwhile, have smaller blooms and are typically found at garden centers. "They're hardy down to zone 5, and will often return year after year when planted in the ground," he adds.

When to Plant

For a beautiful fall display, make sure to plant your mums at the right time of year.

“The best time to plant so they’ll return year after year is in the spring—this allows their roots to establish before winter,” says Rohan Maynard, hydroponic farm manager at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club.

Niemann adds that many nurseries sell mums early in the season so that they can establish strong roots and bloom by fall. “Mums can also be planted in fall, but in colder regions it helps to give them extra winter protection,” he says.

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Care Instructions

What are the best conditions for your mums to thrive?

“Mums need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day,” says Maynard. “Plant with enough space in between to improve airflow, which reduces mildew." Mums thrive in rich, well-draining soil—make sure to keep it consistently moist. You may have to water daily if the weather is warm.

"Pinch or prune the tips of the stems every few weeks. This encourages a more compact, bushier plant with more flowers," he adds.

Overwintering Tips

The chances of mums returning next year are much greater if you follow certain practices during the winter months.

“Most garden mums are hardy to zone 5 and will come back on their own in those regions,” says Niemann. “After the first frost, I recommend adding a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.”

Maynard adds that you shouldn't cut back any of the dead foliage during this period.