The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Garden mums (Chrysanthemumspp.)
are herbaceousperennialsin the daisy family and are stalwarts of the floweringautumn garden.
These plants grow fast, and should bloom in the firstgrowing season.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Bloom times vary with variety and climate from early September through mid-October.
Hardy Chrysanthemum Care
Plant mums as soon as the soil warms in the spring.
For optimal blooming, the plants should be fertilized regularly throughout the growing season.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Established plants should be lifted and divided every two to three years.
Mums can make a wonderful impact in containers.
But when planted in mixed borders, they will end your garden season with a bang.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Thus, they are best planted next to early bloomers.
As the spring flowers die back, the mums will fill in and hide their unattractive fading foliage.
Light
Mums thrive in full sun but can handle a bit of shade.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Generally, flowering will be most profuse if they are grown in full sun.
However, in warm climates, the plants often appreciate some shade during the heat of the afternoon.
Soil
These plants tolerate several soil types, but they do best in rich well-drained soil.
Poor soil drainage will cause the plants to rot.
They like a soil pH of about 6.5 to 6.7, slightly acidic.
Water
Mums require a lot of water.
Water should drain freely through the soil and out the bottom of the pot.
Soil should remain moist, but not soggy.
Soggy soil can cause root rot and other diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Mums do best in moderate climate conditions.
Extreme heat can cause the plants to struggle.
First, leave the foliage on the plants until spring.
Do not prune them back after frost has turned them brown.
If you choose to move the plants, do so before the first hard freeze.
In warmer climates, consider heat delay.
High temperatures, particularly at nighttime, can cause the plant to flower later than it usually would.
To bypass this problem in hotter climates, look for cultivars with higher heat tolerance.
Fertilizer
It is crucial to provide nitrogen and potassium to chrysanthemums during their vegetative phase.
Feed the plants before flower buds form to promote healthy roots, bud development, and a vigorous plant.
Start a feeding cycle in March, April, or May, depending upon your zone.
With a time-released fertilizer, you might only need to feed the plants once.
The general rule of thumb is to begin feeding after all danger of frost has passed.
That way any new growth resulting from the nutrients will not be in danger of damage from icy weather.
Established plants should not be fed after July, so that new growth is not injured by frost.
Types of Hardy Chrysanthemums
Manyvarieties of garden mumshave been bred.
The original species are often unclear, but horticulturalists generally categorize garden mums by flower shape.
You will rarely find named mum cultivars in garden centers.
Pinch again every time the plant grows another six inches.
Never prune away buds.
Cover the remainder of the plant with several inches of mulch for protection during the winter.
The most straightforward and fastest method is through division.
Most mums are completelyroot-boundwhen you purchase them.
The roots have consumed the entire pot, which makes it hard for the soil to retain any water.
To repot, choose a container that is a little bigger than the last container.
Fill the bottom of the new pot with good-qualitypotting soil.
Detangle any roots you could, but do not damage them.
double-check the roots have good contact with the soil.
Tamp down the soil gently.
Water the plant until water flows out of the bottom of the pot.
Cover it with several inches of mulch to help it survive the winter.
Common Pests
Mums can suffer damage fromaphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Some signs include leaf and stem damage, webbing on the plants, and visible insects.
Pick off any slugs and snails by hand.
Regular pruning until buds appear is the best way to ensure healthy blooms.
When purchasing mums, choosing those that are meant for indoor growth might make your life much easier.
Ensure the plant has good air circulation and not too much humidity.
Chrysanthemums for the Home Garden.Missouri Botanical Garden
Soil PH and Measurement.Mums.Org,
Soil-Composition and Management.Mums.Org
