Chrysanthemum Plant Care

The chrysanthemum is a perennial plant grown for its colorful flowers that light up the late summer and fall garden. Blooms in vibrant hues such as white, yellow, pink-orange and red appear until frost. Hundreds of cultivars of chrysanthemums exist in a wide variety of growth habits, from small plants to shrubs. Also known as the garden mum, this versatile plant is easy to grow, thriving in garden beds, borders and containers.

Timing

Plant seedling chrysanthemums in late spring after danger of frost has passed. Add full-grown, containerized mums to the garden anytime from late spring through early fall.

Planting Location

Plant mums in a full-sun location of the garden that receives good air-circulation and is weed-free. Chrysanthemums require a rich, well-draining soil. Dig a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or leaf mold into the soil at least two weeks before planting.

Watering

Chrysanthemums require regular, deep watering to thrive, especially when they are in bloom. If there is no rainfall, soak the soil around the mums to a depth of 5 to 8 inches on a weekly basis. Quick, light watering causes shallow roots and makes growing conditions favorable for a variety of diseases. Containerized mums require watering when the top inch of soil has dried. Avoid wetting foliage when you water.

Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch, such as shredded leaves, compost, straw or bark chips, to conserve water and inhibit water-stealing weeds.

Feeding

Mums require regular feeding to bloom well. Add a dry fertilizer at planting time such as a 5-10-10 or a 5-10-5. Continue fertilizing plants on a monthly basis with a water-soluble fertilizer such as a 15-30-15 or 20-20-20 until late July or early August when buds form.

Pinching

Pinching creates bushy, well-developed chrysanthemums full of blooms. When growth tips reach 3 inches long, pinch them back so that just two or three leaves are left on each shoot. Stop pinching in mid-July or you may remove flower buds.

Winter Protection

Many chrysanthemums overwinter in cold climates, as long as they are planted in a well-drained location and are mulched. Apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of shredded leaves, straw or hay when the soil surface freezes.

Pests and Diseases

Chrysanthemum aphids feed on new growth, causing stunting and deformation of leaves and flowers. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray of water. Two-spotted spider mites appear during hot, dry weather and feed on leaves, causing discoloration of foliage and flowers and leaf drop. Spray plants with a strong stream of water and apply insecticidal soap. The chrysanthemum leafminer burrows itself in leaves and feeds, creating brown trails throughout the foliage. Hand remove the larvae and destroy all infected plant parts.

Fungal diseases of chrysanthemums include leaf spot, which causes spots on foliage, powdery mildew, which leads to white patches on leaves, and rust, which causes rust-colored powder on foliage. Control all of these conditions by removing infected leaves and spraying with the appropriate fungicide.

References

• Ohio State University; Growing Chrysanthemums; Charles T. Behnke
• University of Minnesota Extension; Garden Chrysanthemums; Mary H. Meyer; 2009
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Chrysanthemum; Karen Russ, et al; March 1999
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Chrysanthemum Diseases & Insect Pests; Marjan Kluepfel et al.; December 2006
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension; Chrysanthemums; Michael N. Dana, et al.
• "Sunset Western Garden Book"; Kathleen Brenzel; 2001

Resources

• National Chrysanthemum Society: Show & Membership Information