Chrysanthemum Planting Information

Mums are easy to plant and care for.

Chrysanthemums, or mums as they are affectionately called, are one of America's most treasured flowering plants. A native of China, northern Africa and Japan, there are cultivars growing under 6 inches to over 4 feet high. Flower sizes vary from tiny puff balls to massive 6-inch rounds. Daisy-like single or double-petal flowers with flat, curved, spoon or quill-shaped petals grow in clusters above long, leafed stems. They thrive in cool fall weather and bloom year-round in warmer climates. They come in shades of red, orange, rust, yellow, white, cream, pink, lavender and bicolor. Many people enjoy the pungent, tangy fragrance.

Annual, Biennial or Perennial

A delicate pink, spikey mum

Chrysanthemums may be annuals, biennials or perennials. This is not simply a matter of variety as much as the climate of the region in which it's planted. Seek the advice of a plant professional at the time of purchase. Plants may be tagged with the hardiness zone information. Annuals die after one season, biennials in two and perennials come back year after year.

Prepare the Soil

Mums grow in a multitude of sizes.

Select a spot in the garden with full to nearly full sun, except in very hot zones, 8 to 11. Bright, dappled shade will be best there. Loosen hard soil and improve its quality and drainage by mixing in a well-seasoned compost. If the mum is potted, dig the hole several inches below the height and width of the root ball. Mums thrive in rich soil of any type.

Planting

Too much nitrogen will produce a mass of leaves.

Seedlings can be planted a week or two after the last frost in spring. Perennial plants can be planted then or in early fall while they are still in bloom. Space the plants 1 to 3 feet apart. Lightly fertilize mature mums at planting time. Apply a high-phosphorus and -potassium fertilizer for excellent flowering. Too much nitrogen will provide a mass of leaves, but few flowers.

Aftercare

This is an unusual bi-color beauty.

Mulch around the base of the plants with leaves, bark or hay to hold moisture. During the growing season, occasional applications of well-rotted manure or an all-purpose, high-phosphorus fertilizer can boost flower production. Pinch back the growing tips near the top to keep the plant bushy. Dead-head spent flowers, unless seeds are desired. Stake gangly, long-stemmed varieties as necessary. Water mums whenever the soil dries out.

Winter Protection

Mulch heavily before winter strikes.

Over-winter chrysanthemums with a heavy layer of mulch. Pull back the mulch gradually after the last frost in spring. New growth will be shooting up, and this protects it if another cold snap suddenly appears.

References

• "The Gardener's Home Companion"; Betty Mackey; 1991

Resources

• Botany: Chrysanthemum