How to Plant and Care for Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum plant and care

Chrysanthemum is native to eastern Europe and Asia. The flower was named by Greeks, combining the words chrysos (golden) and anthemon (flower/blossom) and arrived to the word chrysanthemum, named so of the original flower's golden color. Chrysanthemum is called "the flower of Royalty" in Asia, or "mums/mum" for short in the western world.

Today, there are about 30 species with a total of 15 types of bloom. Popular mum colors are bronze/orange, yellow, pink, red, lavender, blue, and white. Many are hybrids that have been cross-bred with roses and lilies. Some chrysanthemum are annual and others perennial. The annual kind which blooms in late summer to fall is easy to grow. The perennial kinds bloom in magnificent colors after other plants have been killed by winter.

Things You'll Need

• 5-10-5, 5-10-10, or 5-20-20 fertilizer
• Straw, peat moss, or other organic matter
• Rich soil
• Full sun
• Good water drainage
• Gardening tools
• Plant growth hormone, optional
• Optional: plastic bag, chicken wire, stake

Instructions

1. Prepare a rich and well-drained soil with an area with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation. These are essential for growing healthy chrysanthemum. Try not to select land with partial-shade. A good supply of plant food should be spread into soil before planting.

2. Grow mums from seed directly sown into the soil, propagated by cuttings of the stem or by division of the crown. Chrysanthemum can actually be planted any time in the year as long as roots establish before frost arrival. Because of that, growers in cooler climate often plant chrysanthemum either in early spring or late summer.

   From the nursery/garden center: Get bushy plants with leafy stem clusters branching out at the base. Dig a hole larger than the size of the root ball. Add organic compost or peat moss to help with drainage. Try plant the chrysanthemum at the same depth it was in the pot. If you are planting multiple plants, keep them 18 to 24 inches apart.

   Growing from seed: If you live in a frost region, sow directly in outdoor soil two months before first frost in your region, or start indoors in a pot during the winter. Keep the soil temperature around 75 degrees F. Chrysanthemum seeds should germinate in 2 to 3 weeks. If you plant indoors, you may relocate it outdoors after 6 weeks when roots are established. To transplant see instructions above.

   Growing from cut stem: Cut off a piece of stem 4 to 6 inches long when the old plant has reached a height of about 12 to 18 inches. You can cut the plant down to 4 or 6 inches. Cutting will force the old plant to branch out more, more branches will produce more flowers. The old plant will grow back to height next year. You might have to install stake or garden fencing for taller plant. Dip the cut stem in rooting hormone then insert about 1 inch into sand or light soil. Wrap the stem in a transparent plastic bag and secure it with wire frame to create a mini-green house. Remove the bag after roots are established, about four weeks.

   Propagating from roots: Dig the matured plant up and cut apart the root mass then divide it. You do not need too much roots to grow new plant. Add some phosphorus to the planting hole with organic compost, then replant the divided roots. Divide chrysanthemum every five years and relocate to reduce disease is recommended.

3. Remove dried and wilted leaves to help keep the nutrients and energy for healthy parts. You may prune when it reaches 6 inches tall.

4. Cover the plant with 3 inches of straw or mulch after each blooming season. After flowering, you may even cut the stem down to soil level.

5. Fertilize your plant twice a year preferably in spring and fall, using 1 pound fertilizer per 100 square feet.

6. Keep soil moist all the time. Soak the plant ground twice a week in summer but watch out for mold growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid walking on plant ground as chrysanthemum dislike compact soil.