Mums, short for chrysanthemums, are among the most popular flowering plants worldwide. With their vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and white, they brighten gardens, patios, and homes every fall season. But if you’re a beginner gardener, you may wonder: Are mums indoor or outdoor plants? The short answer is: Mums are traditionally outdoor plants, but they can also be grown indoors with the right care. Whether you treat them as outdoor perennials, seasonal fall décor, or indoor flowering plants depends on how you grow and care for them.
This guide will help you understand the differences between indoor and outdoor mums, their growing needs, and the best ways to keep them blooming beautifully.
Understanding Mums (Chrysanthemums)
- Origin: Native to Asia and northeastern Europe.
- Varieties: Garden mums (hardy mums) and florist mums.
- Bloom Season: Primarily fall, although some varieties bloom in late summer.
- Uses: Outdoor landscaping, seasonal décor, and indoor potted displays.
Are Mums Indoor Plants?
Mums can be enjoyed indoors, especially when purchased as decorative potted plants in the fall. Florist mums are commonly sold in grocery stores, floral shops, and garden centers as indoor bloomers.
Indoor mums features:
- Typically grown for short-term décor.
- Bloom beautifully for 4–6 weeks indoors.
- Require bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
- Usually not cold-hardy, making them unsuitable for replanting outdoors in most climates.
Are Mums Outdoor Plants?
Yes, mums are naturally outdoor plants, especially garden mums (also called hardy mums). They thrive in garden beds, containers, or borders.
Outdoor mums features:
- Can be grown as perennials in USDA zones 5–9.
- Survive winter if planted early enough (before frost sets in).
- Need full sun and well-draining soil.
- Provide long-lasting color in autumn gardens.
Key Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Mums
| Feature | Indoor Mums (Florist Mums) | Outdoor Mums (Garden/Hardy Mums) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Decorative, short-term use | Landscape, seasonal, or perennial |
| Lifespan | 4–6 weeks indoors | Perennial if planted outdoors |
| Light Needs | Bright, indirect light | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Cold Hardiness | Not frost-tolerant | Hardy in zones 5–9 |
| Best Use | Gifts, indoor décor | Gardens, patios, fall borders |
Growing Mums Indoors
If you want to enjoy mums as indoor plants:
- Light: Place in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
- Temperature: Keep them in a cool room (60–70°F).
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid soggy soil.
- Pruning: Remove dead flowers to encourage new blooms.
- After Blooming: Once flowers fade, most indoor mums won’t rebloom inside. You can try planting them outdoors if it’s still fall.
Growing Mums Outdoors
Outdoor mums can be either perennial or annual depending on when and where they’re planted.
- Planting Time:
- Best planted in spring or early summer for strong root growth.
- Fall-planted mums may not survive winter.
- Sunlight:
- Require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Less light = fewer blooms.
- Watering:
- Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture.
- Winter Care:
- In colder zones, mulch heavily after the ground freezes.
- Do not cut stems back until spring to protect roots.
Should You Keep Mums Indoors or Outdoors?
The answer depends on your goal:
- For seasonal indoor décor: Buy florist mums and enjoy them for a few weeks indoors.
- For long-term gardening: Choose hardy garden mums and plant them outdoors in spring or early summer.
- For container gardens: Grow garden mums in pots outdoors; you can move them indoors temporarily for display.
FAQs About Mums
Not typically. Indoor mums are short-lived decorative plants. Once blooms fade, they rarely rebloom indoors.
Yes, but success depends on timing. If planted in fall, they may not survive the winter. Planting in spring gives them a better chance.
Yes, outdoor mums need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Usually about 4–6 weeks with proper watering and care.
They are perennials, but often treated as annuals when planted in fall.
Final Thoughts
So, are mums indoor or outdoor plants? The answer is: both! While mums are naturally outdoor perennials, florist mums are often sold for indoor use during the seasonal period. If you want a short-term splash of color indoors, potted florist mums are perfect. If you’re looking for lasting beauty in your garden, plant hardy mums outdoors in the spring for blooms year after year.
With the right choice and care, mums can brighten both your home and garden, making them one of the most versatile flowering plants you can grow.