When Do Mums Go On Sale? (Don’t Miss Fall Savings!)
Ah, fall! Is there anything quite like it?
The crisp air, the vibrant colors, the cozy sweaters… and, of course, the stunning display of mums!
As a mom myself, I know how much joy a splash of color can bring to our homes and gardens, especially as the days get shorter.
Flowers aren’t just pretty; they can be a real mood booster! Studies have shown that flowers can reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, involving your kids in gardening projects like planting mums can spark their creativity and teach them about nature.
Imagine your little ones’ faces as they help you choose the perfect mums, learning about different colors and textures. It’s not just about decorating; it’s about creating memories.
Now, let’s talk savings. We all love a good deal, right? Planning ahead for fall sales in 2025 is the key to getting the most beautiful mums without breaking the bank.
Think of it as a little self-care investment that brightens your home and your spirits. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into the world of mums and how to snag them at the best prices!
Understanding Mums: A Brief Overview
So, what exactly are mums?
Well, technically, they’re chrysanthemums, a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family.
Botanical jargon aside, they’re basically the rockstars of fall gardening.
Mums come in a dazzling array of colors – from the classic yellows, oranges, and reds to more unique shades of purple, pink, and even white.
And the varieties? Oh, the varieties! You’ve got your cushion mums, decorative mums, pompon mums, and spider mums, each with its own unique shape and texture.
Why are they so popular in the fall? Well, mums are naturally late-blooming plants, meaning they burst into color just as other flowers are fading.
They’re like the grand finale of the gardening season!
But more than just their beauty, mums are incredibly resilient. They can withstand cooler temperatures, making them perfect for fall decorating.
This resilience is part of why they’re a favorite among families.
Plus, they’re relatively easy to care for, making them a great starter plant for kids who are just learning about gardening. My own kids love helping me water our mums, and they get so excited when new buds appear.
It’s a fantastic way to teach them about responsibility and the wonders of nature.
The Best Time to Buy Mums
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: when is the absolute best time to buy mums?
Typically, you’ll start seeing mums popping up in stores around late August to early September.
But here’s the thing: the best time to buy is often a bit later, usually mid-September to early October.
Why? Because that’s when the sales start hitting their stride.
Many retailers offer significant discounts as they try to clear out their stock before the end of the season.
Think of it like this: early September is like the “preview” of the mum season, while mid-September to early October is the “main event” with all the best deals.
Several factors influence these sales. Seasonal trends play a big role.
If we have an unusually warm fall, retailers might hold off on discounts to capitalize on the extended growing season.
Conversely, if we get an early frost, they’ll likely slash prices to move the mums quickly.
Holidays also impact sales. Labor Day weekend often kicks off the fall gardening season, with many stores offering initial discounts.
But the real savings usually come closer to Columbus Day or even later in October.
Local events can also affect pricing and availability. Fall festivals, farmers’ markets, and community garden sales can be great places to find unique mums at competitive prices.
Now, let’s talk about shopping local versus big-box retailers.
Big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s often have the lowest prices on mums, especially during sales.
However, local nurseries and garden centers usually offer a wider selection of varieties and healthier, more well-cared-for plants.
Plus, when you shop local, you’re supporting your community and getting expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
In my experience, it’s worth visiting both types of retailers to compare prices and selection.
You might find a screaming deal on basic mums at a big-box store and then splurge on a few unique varieties at a local nursery.
Fall Sales and Promotions
Now, let’s dig into the exciting world of fall sales and promotions!
What kind of discounts can you expect to see on mums?
Well, it varies, but here are a few common scenarios:
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Percentage Off: This is the classic discount. You might see deals like “20% off all mums” or “Buy one, get one 50% off.”
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Fixed Price: Sometimes, retailers will offer a fixed price on mums, regardless of their original cost. For example, “$5 mums all weekend!”
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Bulk Discounts: If you’re planning to buy a lot of mums, look for bulk discounts. Some stores offer deals like “Buy 5 mums for $20.”
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Clearance Events: As the season winds down, retailers often hold clearance events to get rid of remaining stock. This is where you can find the deepest discounts, sometimes up to 75% off!
So, which retailers typically have sales on mums?
Here are a few to keep an eye on:
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Home Depot and Lowe’s: These big-box stores are known for their competitive prices and frequent sales on mums.
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Walmart and Target: These general merchandise stores also carry mums and often offer discounts, especially during holiday weekends.
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Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Don’t forget about your local nurseries! They might not always have the lowest prices, but they often have unique varieties and higher-quality plants.
Are there any specific annual events or sales days to look out for?
Absolutely! Here are a few to mark on your calendar:
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Labor Day Weekend: This is often the unofficial kickoff of the fall gardening season, with many stores offering initial discounts on mums.
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Columbus Day Weekend: This is another popular time for sales, as retailers try to entice shoppers with mid-season discounts.
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End-of-Season Clearance: Keep an eye out for clearance events in late October or early November. This is when you can find the biggest savings, but the selection might be limited.
Now, let’s talk about buying in bulk or during clearance events. The advantages are obvious: you can save a ton of money!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. When buying in bulk, make sure you have enough space to plant or display all the mums.
And when buying during clearance events, be prepared to do a little extra care to revive any slightly wilted plants.
Choosing the Right Mums for Your Home
Okay, you’re ready to buy some mums! But with so many options, how do you choose the right ones for your home?
First, consider color. What colors complement your home’s exterior or your existing garden?
Do you want a bold pop of color, or something more subtle and harmonious?
Think about the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Next, think about size. Mums come in various sizes, from small, compact plants to larger, bushier varieties.
Consider where you’ll be placing the mums. If you’re planting them in garden beds, you might want larger plants that will make a statement.
If you’re using them in pots on your porch, smaller or medium-sized mums might be more appropriate.
Also, consider growth conditions.
Mums generally prefer full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day) and well-drained soil.
However, some varieties are more tolerant of partial shade.
Be sure to read the plant labels carefully to choose mums that are well-suited to your growing conditions.
Now, let’s talk about where you’ll be planting the mums.
If you’re planting them in garden beds, make sure the soil is well- amended with compost or other organic matter.
If you’re using them in pots, choose containers that are large enough to accommodate the root systems and have drainage holes.
And don’t forget to consider the overall design of your garden or outdoor space.
How will the mums fit in with your existing plants and decorations?
Do you want to create a symmetrical arrangement, or something more organic and free-flowing?
Finally, let’s talk about involving your children in the selection process.
This can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family!
Take your kids to the nursery or garden center and let them help you choose the colors and varieties they like.
Teach them about the different types of mums and how to care for them.
You can even let them help you plant the mums in the garden or pots.
It’s a great way to foster a love of nature and gardening in your children.
Caring for Mums: Tips for Longevity
You’ve bought your beautiful mums – now what?
Proper care is essential to keep them looking their best and extend their blooming season.
First, let’s talk about watering. Mums need consistent moisture, but they don’t like to be waterlogged.
Water them deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding getting the foliage wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Next, consider sunlight. As mentioned earlier, mums prefer full sun, so place them in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
If you live in a particularly hot climate, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Fertilization is also important. Feed your mums every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the label.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Now, let’s talk about common issues. One of the most common problems with mums is fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.
To prevent these diseases, make sure your mums have good air circulation and avoid getting the foliage wet when watering.
If you do notice signs of fungal disease, treat the plants with a fungicide specifically labeled for use on chrysanthemums.
Pests can also be a problem. Aphids, spider mites, and other insects can attack mums, sucking the sap from the leaves and stems.
Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests and treat them with an insecticide if necessary.
Now, let’s talk about how children can help care for the mums.
This is a great way to teach them responsibility and a love for gardening.
Kids can help with watering, weeding, and even deadheading (removing spent blooms).
Just be sure to supervise them closely and teach them how to handle the plants gently.
Creative Ways to Use Mums in Home Decor
Okay, you’ve got your mums, they’re healthy and thriving – now it’s time to get creative!
Mums are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your fall home decor.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to use mums is as centerpieces.
Place a few potted mums in the center of your dining table or coffee table for a pop of color and seasonal cheer.
You can also create a more elaborate centerpiece by combining mums with other fall elements, such as pumpkins, gourds, and colorful leaves.
Wreaths are another great way to use mums in your fall decor.
You can create a simple mum wreath by attaching small potted mums to a wire wreath form.
Or, you can create a more elaborate wreath by combining mums with other fall elements, such as berries, twigs, and ribbons.
Garden displays are another fantastic way to showcase your mums.
Plant them in garden beds or pots and arrange them in eye-catching displays on your porch, patio, or deck.
You can also combine mums with other fall plants, such as ornamental grasses, kale, and pansies, to create a stunning seasonal display.
Now, let’s talk about DIY projects that families can do together, using mums to create unique decorations.
One fun project is creating mum planters.
Have your kids decorate plain terracotta pots with paint, glitter, or other craft supplies.
Then, plant mums in the decorated pots and display them around your home.
Another fun project is creating mum bouquets.
Cut a few stems from your mums and arrange them in a vase with other fall flowers and foliage.
You can even add a few sprigs of berries or twigs for extra texture and interest.
Finally, let’s talk about seasonal themes and how mums can enhance festive decorations during holidays.
For Halloween, use orange and black mums to create spooky displays on your porch or in your garden.
You can even add a few pumpkins, skeletons, or other Halloween decorations for extra effect.
For Thanksgiving, use warm-colored mums, such as yellows, oranges, and reds, to create a festive atmosphere in your home.
You can even add a few gourds, cornucopias, or other Thanksgiving decorations for extra flair.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Fall Savings!
Wow, we’ve covered a lot about mums!
From understanding their beauty and resilience to knowing when to snag the best deals, you’re now armed with all the info you need to make the most of the 2025 fall season.
The key takeaways? Plan ahead, keep an eye on sales, and don’t be afraid to shop around.
Remember, the excitement of fall savings is just the beginning.
The real joy comes from the beauty and warmth that mums bring to our homes and families.
The vibrant colors, the cheerful blooms, and the memories we create while planting and caring for them – that’s what truly makes mums so special.
So, as you start thinking about fall 2025, remember to mark your calendars for those crucial mum sale dates.
And most importantly, don’t forget to involve your children in the joy of gardening.
Let them help you choose the mums, plant them in the garden, and care for them throughout the season.
It’s a wonderful way to teach them about nature, foster their creativity, and create lasting memories together.
So, get ready to embrace the beauty of fall and the joy of mums!
Happy gardening, and happy saving!
