How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are beautiful and versatile flowering plants that can be found in a vast range of colors and varieties. Hardy and strong, many chrysanthemum varieties thrive in conditions that would be the ruin of most other flowering plants. Chrysanthemums are often the last flowers to give in to the cold air and frost of an approaching winter season. Easy to cultivate and care for, chrysanthemums can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers to brighten up a porch or balcony.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a variety that suits your purposes as well as the eye. The many varieties and colors of chrysanthemums are divided into two basic categories, typically referred to as hardy mums and florist mums. Hardy mums are most likely to survive in areas prone to harsh winter weather, while florist mums can do quite well in milder climates or planted in containers.

2. Deciding where to plant your chrysanthemums is the next step. Planting chrysanthemums in a spot that receives full sun is ideal, but if you lack such a spot, these versatile plants can do quite well in an area that gets just five to six hours of full sun daily. Avoid areas that are artificially lit at night if at all possible, as exposure to lights can interfere with the blooming cycle of the plant.

3. Preparing the soil that will nourish your chrysanthemums is the next task to be done when learning how to grow chrysanthemums. Providing soil with good drainage is important to the health of your plants, as chrysanthemums will mildew if planted in an area where its roots remain soggy for a lengthy time after watering.

4. Plant your chrysanthemums approximately eighteen inches apart to allow them room to thrive. Giving each plant its own space allows plenty of fresh air to circulate among them, reducing the chances of mildew or disease. Cover the roots of your seedling with about a half inch of firmly packed soil, then water, making sure to thoroughly soak the roots. Protect your new plant from the heat of the sun for two or three days after planting to give it time to recover from the shock.

5. Water your chrysanthemums weekly during dry weather, making sure to soak them well, as a light daily sprinkling can be harmful to the development of your plant. Pinching off new growth in the spring encourages healthy, bushy growth, but be sure to stop pinching at the beginning of summer to ensure that your plants bloom proficiently. Mulch chrysanthemums that are to be left in the ground over the winter once the blooming season has past, covering them with two or three inches of straw or other light mulching material.

6. Following these simple steps should provide you with a beautiful display of color throughout the autumn season. Growing chrysanthemums in your garden or placing them in containers on the porch, patio, or balcony can brighten the most dreary fall day, long after the blooms of other flowering plants have faded away.