Are Mums Indoor or Outdoor Plants?

Your Complete Guide to Growing and Enjoying Chrysanthemums Year-Round

When fall rolls around and front porches begin to bloom in vibrant golds, purples, and deep reds, you know mums have arrived. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers, formally known as chrysanthemums, are a seasonal favorite—but one question often stumps plant lovers: Are mums indoor or outdoor plants?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. In fact, whether your mums thrive indoors or out depends on the type you choose, your climate, and how you care for them. Let’s dig in and explore everything you need to know about growing mums both inside and outside your home.

What Are Mums, Really?

Mums are perennial flowering plants native to Asia and northeastern Europe. With over 40 species and thousands of cultivars, chrysanthemums come in a dazzling range of sizes, shapes, and colors. They’re popular in fall arrangements, garden beds, and potted porch displays.

There are two main types of mums:

• Garden Mums (Hardy Mums): Typically used outdoors; they can survive mild winters and return year after year with proper care.
• Florist Mums (Tender Mums): Grown primarily indoors or in greenhouses; these are not winter-hardy and are often treated as annuals.

Can Mums Be Grown Indoors?

Yes—but it depends on the variety.

Florist mums are the better choice for indoor growing. They’re bred for short-term bloom displays and come in compact pots that are easy to place on windowsills or tables.

Indoor Mum Care Tips:

• Light: Place them near a sunny window where they can receive at least 5–6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
• Temperature: Keep them in a cool room, ideally between 60–70°F.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the roots sit in water to prevent rot.
• Lifespan: Indoors, mums will bloom for about 2–3 weeks. After that, they may become leggy or stop flowering.

Pro Tip: Deadhead regularly (remove spent blooms) to encourage longer blooming indoors.

Are Mums Better Suited for Outdoor Gardens?

Garden mums are the stars of the fall landscape.

Hardy mums thrive outdoors and are typically planted in garden beds, borders, or large containers. With the right conditions, they’ll bloom year after year and can even survive some frost.

Outdoor Mum Care Tips:

• Planting Time: Spring is the best time to plant mums if you want them to establish strong roots before winter.
• Sunlight: These plants need full sun (6+ hours per day) to bloom well.
• Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with compost works best.
• Watering: Water deeply, especially during dry spells, but don’t overwater.

Overwintering Tip: In colder zones, mulch mums heavily in late fall to protect their roots from freezing temperatures.

Which Mums Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

If you’re aiming for seasonal indoor beauty, florist mums are a perfect pick. For those seeking perennial garden color, garden mums are your best bet.

Can You Move Mums Between Indoors and Outdoors?

Yes—many gardeners use mums as transitional plants, displaying them outside during the day and bringing them in during cold snaps.

Tips for transitioning mums:

• Acclimate slowly: Move them indoors overnight before frost hits to avoid shock.
• Check for pests: Before bringing mums inside, inspect for insects like aphids or spider mites.
• Keep cool and bright: Place them in a spot that mimics their outdoor light and temperature conditions.

However, mums don’t love frequent relocating, so aim to minimize moves when possible.

Common Mum Growing Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your mums thriving, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• ❌ Overwatering: Soggy roots are a fast track to fungal issues.
• ❌ Too little sun: Mums need lots of light—especially outdoors.
• ❌ Planting too late: Fall-planted mums may not survive winter if they haven’t rooted well.
• ❌ Skipping deadheading: Removing spent flowers boosts more blooms.

Mums Indoors vs. Outdoors: Quick Comparison

Conclusion: So, Are Mums Indoor or Outdoor Plants?

Mums can be both indoor and outdoor plants, depending on their type and how you care for them.

• Florist mums make lovely, short-term indoor companions.
• Garden mums thrive best outdoors and can return year after year with proper maintenance.

Whether you want to brighten up your living room for fall or add a splash of color to your front porch, mums are a flexible, affordable, and gorgeous choice.

Jack Sharp

Jack Shark is a thrill-seeker and outdoor explorer who loves pushing boundaries in nature. As a contributor to SuperheroineLinks.com, he shares adventure tips, survival skills, and inspiring stories to help others embrace the wild with confidence.