SHREVEPORT, La. — As the cooler weather settles in, Shreveport gardeners who want their fall mums to return year after year should act now. Jennifer McJimsey of Akin’s Nursery & Landscaping stresses that planting the perennials early—ideally in late September or early October—gives the plants a chance to establish a healthy root system before the first hard freeze.
Why timing matters
Many gardeners make the mistake of leaving potted mums on patios until the flowers fade in late October. By that point the plants are often near death, and the delayed planting prevents roots from anchoring in the soil before winter’s freezing temperatures arrive. Without a solid root base, the mums are unlikely to survive the cold and will not return as perennials.
Selecting the right site
McJimsey recommends choosing a location that receives four to six hours of bright sunlight each day. Adequate sunlight encourages robust growth and abundant blooming. Equally important is soil drainage; soggy or overly wet winter conditions can lead to root rot, which will kill the plant before it even has a chance to flower again.
Planting and early care
When planting, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball without crowding. Backfill with native soil mixed with a modest amount of compost to improve fertility and drainage. After planting, water the mums regularly for several weeks, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Winter protection
Once a hard freeze arrives, the foliage will naturally turn brown or black and die back. This die‑back is a signal that it’s time to clean up the dead growth. McJimsey advises applying a two‑inch layer of mulch over the planting area. Mulch acts as an insulating blanket, protecting the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and helping retain soil moisture throughout the winter months.
Expecting next‑year blooms
Mums are short‑day bloomers, meaning they initiate bud formation as daylight hours shorten. Properly established plants will set buds in late summer and produce a fresh display of flowers in late August or early September of the following year. By following the early‑planting timeline and providing proper site conditions, Shreveport gardeners can look forward to reliable, vibrant fall color season after season.
Local resources
Homeowners seeking additional guidance can visit Akin’s Nursery & Landscaping in Shreveport or contact their horticulture specialists for personalized planting advice. The nursery also offers a selection of disease‑resistant mum varieties suited to the region’s climate.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
