Learn the basics info and idea of growing and caring for this favourite fall colour bloomer.
Chrysanthemums (also referred to as mums) are some of the fall garden plants that are highly preferred in the gardens. They can be maintained relatively cheaply and grow properly under full sunlight, good soil of higher nutrient content, good drainage, and good ventilation. Coming in hundreds of varieties and in different colors, forms, and sizes mums can be used to brighten the garden having the constant blooms during late summer up to autumn. In various cultures, chrysanthemums are given different interpretations of life and revival in Asia, sympathy in Europe and honor and respect in the United States.
Some Basic Facts And Information Regarding Chrysanthemums (mums)
Growing Zones:
Chrysanthemums can be planted in USDA 5-9, and some hardy specimens can be planted in zone 4.
Sun Exposure:
6-8 hours of full sun exposure daily promote optimum flowering. When the buds start to get colored, potted mums may be placed in bright shade, the cooler temperatures causing the petals to age more slowly and increase the blooming period.
Height & Spread:
Mum varieties are between 1 and 3 feet tall and up to 1 to 2 feet wide depending on the variety.
Flower Colors:
The chrysanthemums grow in a very wide range of colors such as white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, and red, and appeal to the eye in the bicolor ones.
Bloom Time:
The flowers bloom throughout the months of September to the frost. The chrysanthemums are short-day plants, i.e., their growth cycles are triggered by the reduction of days in end of summer and beginning fall. Light-regulated green houses can also be used in flowering in a commercial environment.
Garden Mums vs. Florist Mums:
Garden mums are also genetically bred to be cold hardy hence they can be used as out of door plants within the kind of climate. On the other hand, florist mums are cultivated in green houses primarily to be temporarily used as decor in the house and typically, they cannot survive in the open. In order to have the success of a garden that can last long, plants that are labeled as hardy garden mums are to be chosen.
Planting Mums ( Chrysanthemums )
When to Plant
To ensure mums grow as perennial you should have them planted in early spring or at least six weeks before the first hard frost in the fall. This is because spring planting will provide the roots with enough time to root and greatly chances of overcoming winter. Fall color To create fall color on plants, plant mums when they are already in blossom in the late summer or early fall.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny site, which has a good air circulation and soil that is well drained. When it comes to mums, one should avoid planting them close to the out of doors lights because artificial lighting may affect the natural length of the day, and it may interfere with the growth of the flower.
Soil Requirements
Chrysanthemums are able to grow better in the well-drained soil. These drains have the effect of avoiding root rot as well as promoting healthy buds. except in the rule that where your soil is fit to raise vegetables, it will suit mums also.
Spacing
Plant distance 1824 inches accommodating adequate air circulation. Adequate spacing minimizes the chances of powder mildew and other fungal infections.
For More: Explore (University of Illinois Extension)
How to Care for Mums
Watering
Mums are shallow-rooted plants, which require watering on a regular basis, particularly when it is hot. Mulching in summer keeps the moisture available, evaporation is minimized and roots are kept cool.
Fertilizing
Chrysanthemums are neither heavy nor heavy feeders. Add half-strength balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) after every two to three weeks in the spring until the buds are formed. Cessation of fertilizing at onset of bud coloration.
Pinching & Pruning
Pinch two to three times around the ends of the new growth during the growing season to encourage the formation of new branches, and to make the plants fuller. Pinching of early bloomers (mid-September) should not be taken after mid-June. Late bloomers (October) can be clipped until mid- July. Pinching should be avoided in three months before the bloom time is expected.
Propagation
Mums can also be separated after every two or three years in spring when growing as perennials. Once the plant begins to grow, root up the plant, and take away the old center and put in new healthy outside shoots. It is also possible to subculture them using spring cuttings by cutting a leaf node below the root and planting it in sterile potting mix. Water new plants and keep them in a sunny location until they grow up.
Overwintering
- Zones 5-6: Retain fall standing energy in the stems. Following a heavy frost, 4-6 inches of straw or dry leaves mulch should be applied. Cut back in spring.
- Zones 7- 9: Once flowers are cut, cut down plants to approximately 6 inches and spread light mulch.
Diseases & Pests
Some of the issues are leaf spot, powdery mildew and botrytis, particularly in shady or tight spaces. Water leaves early in the morning to ensure that they are dry. The aphids, spider mites, leafminers and caterpillars can be suppressed by a heavy spray of water or organic remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Container Care
Select drainage holes in pots at least 12 inches wide and a high quality, well-draining potting mix. Water the entirety every time the first inch of soil is dry since containers become drier in hot weather. Transplant flowering plants into the shady spots to prolong the flower life. When it gets colder outside, overwinter potted mums in a non heated garage/shed, and watered lightly to ensure that the soil does not dry up.
TOP Possibilities MUMS FAIL (as well as Solutions)
Although mums are hassle-free, numerous gardeners fall into the traps of the same. This is the list of mums failure top, and how to correct it.
- Planted late: Roots will not have time to grow before a freeze; spring plant, or at least 6 weeks before the first frost.
- Poor drainage: Elevate bed or put containers with drains.
- No pinching: Leggy plants flop; follow the pinch tips through early summer to stronger growth.
- Dry pots: Mums dry their roots, so there shouldn’t be much water in them; they need to be watered every day, especially on hot days; mulch mums with 1 to 2 inches of mulch.
MUM Design Ideas
Chrysanthemums can either be planted in the garden or in pots, here are some of the ideas:
- Good for containers and baskets, as they have a shallow-rooting habit.
- Grow as an annual in the fall to fill and substitute the annuals in summer.
- Consider thriller (ornamental grass), filler (mum), spiller (trailing ivy/ lysimachia) to plant in a container.
- The numerous color option gives mums the option of having either color accents that coordinate or complement each other both out and in.
- Paint the cozy corners with similar color a door or cushions and some mums too.
- These are quite cheap and hence, can be a very ideal option in bulk groupings or where there is repetition across a territory.
- Plant with other fall flower varieties such as coneflower, sedum, aster, bluebeard and pansies.
- According to Penn State Extension, one or two colors can be used to make the most of the effect as far as possible. Or, have a gradual change of similar colors. In case you have to put up the decoration with pumpkins and gourds, then make sure to use orange, yellow and creamy white mums. With a yard containing much green foliage, one should experiment with bright pinks, lavenders, whites, or reds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mums annuals or perennials?
Majority of mums are usually planted as fall annuals though with proper care some varieties show their worth as perennial over a number of years in specific areas. Colder climates In colder weather it is better to leave the top growth of the plant uncut through winter, and shrink it in with a loose mat of mulch, of straw or evergreen tweezes. In spring, when new growth has started, then pruning must be performed. In regions where winter is not so harsh, after they have gone through flowering, the mums may be trimmed to a height of approximately 6 inches. Going to your local garden center and inquiring about the varieties of best varieties to your climate is always a better choice.
Should I deadhead mums?
The spent flower clusters should be trimmed off frequently to ensure that the plant does not appear untidy, and also to aid in redirecting the energy of the plant to give rise to new healthy buds.
Can I plant store-bought mums in the ground?
Yes, mums of florists are usually not as rough a body as to endure outside. To have the greatest prospect of long growth, select hardy garden mums, and plant in spring.
Are mums poisonous to cats, dogs or other animals?
Mums do contain substances that can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested, so ensure to keep this in mind while choosing a location that might be explored by curious pets.
Are mums deer and rabbit resistant?
Deer and rabbits usually stay away from plants with strong scents and fuzzy leaves both traits mums have so they’re generally considered fairly resistant to these animals.
