How to Care for Hardy Mum Flowers

Hardy mums have large, showy flowers.

Hardy mums are those chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp. or Dendranthema spp.) developed to withstand cold temperatures. These are the plants usually planted in home gardens, as opposed to mums used and sold by florists. For that reason, they are often simply called "garden" mums. Hardy mums are easy to grow, according to the University of Minnesota, and will return year after year with large, showy blooms, if given proper care.

Things You'll Need

• Organic mulch
• Straw mulch
• Shovel
• Watering tool
• Complete fertilizer (5-10-10)
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Place your hardy mums where they will receive a full day's worth of sunlight. Chrysanthemums placed in the shade will flower well the first year, but not in subsequent years, according to Clemson University.

2. Use rich, organic, well-draining soil for your hardy mums. Container-grown mums can be planted in commercial potting soil that has a high nutrient content and added peat moss, to improve drainage. Home gardeners with poor soil should amend it to a depth of six inches, with organic mulch, as suggested by the University of Minnesota.

3. Plant individual hardy mums at least 18 inches apart. Dig a hole as large and wide as the root ball. Place the mum in the hole, and back fill the hole with the removed soil. Tamp down the ground around the mum and water thoroughly.

4. Place a two- or three-inch layer of straw mulch around the plants, to retain moisture in the soil and stifle weed growth. Keep the soil moist throughout the summer.

5. Pinch off the tips of newly-growing blooms to encourage a bushier form, if so desired. Fertilize chrysanthemums once a month with a complete (5-10-10), water-soluble fertilizer. Or, use a slow-release, granular fertilizer once in the spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Locate hardy mums away from night lighting, as the light may interfere with the plant's blooming, according to Iowa State University.

• Do not prune the plants back in the fall. Leaving the foliage on helps the mum overwinter better, according to Iowa State University.

• Watch for insect pests, and apply a pesticide, if necessary, according to the directions on the package. Minor infestations can be rinsed off the plant using a strong stream of water.

References

• Clemson University: Chrysanthemum
• Iowa State University: Growing Chrysanthemums in the Garden
• University of Minnesota: Garden Chrysanthemums