How to Care for Chrysanthemums

Caring for Chrysanthemums, commonly known as Mums, is essential to enjoying their vibrant colors and beautiful blooms, especially as they dominate the fall landscape. Many enthusiasts refer to these plants simply as Mums due to their friendly and approachable nature.

When do Chrysanthemums Bloom?

They flourish and bloom during the autumn months, filling gardens and outdoor spaces with a palette of warm hues. Their preference for cooler nights coupled with sunny, warm days found in the southwest creates the perfect growing conditions. It’s no wonder that during this time, both large nurseries and small local garden centers showcase an array of these lovely plants, drawing in gardening aficionados eager to brighten up their outdoor spaces.

As perennials, garden Mums have the remarkable ability to return year after year, providing gardeners with ongoing beauty and color, provided that they receive adequate care. To ensure a healthy resurgence, it is crucial to give them enough water throughout the growing season and to perform proper maintenance by cutting them back to around 2-3 inches above ground level after the growing season ends. This simple act of pruning encourages new growth and helps the plant conserve energy during the winter months.

During late spring, Mums will awaken from their winter dormancy, and it is at this time that their growth truly begins to take off. However, individuals living in regions where winter freezes the ground need to be particularly cautious. In such areas, Mums may not survive the cold conditions unless they are planted early in spring. This timing allows the root system to establish itself properly before the heat of summer arrives, paving the way for a beautiful display in the fall. By understanding their specific needs and providing the right care, gardeners can enjoy their stunning blooms season after season.

The Flowering Color of Mums

Mums come in a wide assortment of colors bright yellow, crimson red, white, orange, pink, and a few more in-between.  Many are hybrids of original mum plants and are much brighter and showy types.  The flowers are daisy-looking and are used for decorative flowering pots in flower shops.

How often should you water mums?

In and around the Southwest they need water often.  In the ground during mid-summer, about every other day.  The soil needs to be good, composted dirt will have a tough time growing and blooming in hard or sandy soil.  Hanging mum plants should be watered daily during the summer and you should fertilize them about once per month using a good 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Trimming of expired blooms

When the plant stops blooming it is best to trim expired blooms; this will help produce new ones. Use a good pair of sharp scissors or pruners.  You can make these flowers bloom for about 6 maybe 7 weeks into the fall season.  Once the plant stops blooming it’s time to cut it back about 2-3 inches above the ground.  In the lower regions of the Southwest, they will come back.

Can Mums be placed in containers?

Sure, they can.  Place them in a nice-looking decorative container indoors or outdoors.  Make sure you have good potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy.  The container needs to drain well.  Mums indoors will do well if kept in a bright area of your room.  Underneath a skylight or near a large window will work well.

How to Care for Chrysanthemums

Problems with Chrysanthemums

Mums are very hardy plants and are not susceptible to insects and diseases, but this does not mean they will never have these problems.  Powdery mildew, blight, mites, and thrips will on occasion attack this plant.  Spraying with an organic insecticide such as Neem oil will kill insects.  Insecticidal soaps will also do the trick. Neem oil will also help remove powdery mildew.  Read more about Insects and Diseases on Plants.

Read more about the History and the origination of Mums over at Wikipedia.com