Chrysanthemums — or mums, as most of us call them — are the unofficial flower of fall in Minnesota. Their bright blooms bring a burst of color just when summer’s flowers start to fade. But if you’ve ever brought home a potted mum and watched it wilt too soon, don’t worry — you’re not alone! With the right care, your outdoor potted chrysanthemums can stay vibrant well into the cool autumn months.

🍂 If you love decorating with fall flowers, you’ll also enjoy our post on why fall is the perfect season to buy flowers — it’s full of cozy seasonal inspiration and design ideas!

☀️ Find the Right Spot

Mums love sunlight. Place your potted chrysanthemums where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing porch or patio works perfectly in Minneapolis’s autumn climate. If your mums look “leggy” or aren’t blooming, they probably need more sun.

💧 Watering Wisely

The biggest mistake people make with outdoor mums is inconsistent watering.

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Check daily — fall winds and sunny days can dry pots out quickly.
• Water at the base of the plant, not on the blooms, to avoid mildew.

Pro Tip: Place your pot in a decorative cache pot (no drain holes) for display, and keep the mum in its original nursery pot inside. That way, you can easily remove it for proper watering and drainage.

🌿 Feeding and Deadheading

If you want your mums to keep blooming, deadhead (remove) faded flowers regularly. This encourages new buds to form. Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep your blooms lush and healthy.

❄️ Preparing for the Cold

In Minnesota, fall temperatures can dip quickly! When nighttime temps start dropping below 40°F:

• Move your potted mums closer to the house or inside a garage overnight.
• Once the blooms fade, trim the stems to about 2 inches and store the pot in a cool, dark place for winter.
• Water lightly once a month until spring.

💐 Bring Home Fresh Mums This Season

If your current mums are past their prime (it happens to the best of us!), you can easily refresh your outdoor space with a new pot from your local florist.
Browse our latest selection of seasonal chrysanthemums and fall flowers here:
👉 Shop Fall Flowers at Soderberg’s Florist & Flower Delivery

🌻 Final Thoughts

Caring for outdoor potted chrysanthemums is simple once you know what they need — sun, water, and a little love. With regular care, these cheerful blooms can brighten your porch or patio for weeks.

So grab your favorite sweater, sip your pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy the cozy colors of fall — one mum at a time.