How to Grow and Care for Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are popular flowering plants that offer a wide array of colors, sizes, and shapes. Their blooms are beautiful additions to any garden, making them a favorite among gardeners. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a beginner, growing and caring for chrysanthemums can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a guide to ensure your chrysanthemums thrive.

Choosing the Right Variety

Before you even start planting chrysanthemums, it’s important to choose the right variety based on your climate, garden space, and desired bloom color. There are numerous varieties of chrysanthemums, and they generally fall into two categories: garden mums and florist mums.

• Garden Mums: These mums are perfect for outdoor gardens and landscapes. They are hardy and can survive colder temperatures, making them ideal for fall gardening.

• Florist Mums: These varieties are typically grown for indoor use and are more sensitive to frost.

When selecting chrysanthemums, consider their bloom time, height, and color. Popular colors include yellow, red, white, purple, and pink. Some varieties even have multi-colored blooms.

Preparing the Soil

Chrysanthemums prefer well-drained, loamy soil that’s rich in organic matter. Before planting, make sure the soil is prepared correctly.

1. Location: Choose a spot with full sun. Chrysanthemums thrive in areas where they can get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Sunlight encourages strong, healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

2. Soil Preparation: Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve fertility. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Drainage: Ensure proper drainage by planting chrysanthemums in raised beds or garden areas where water does not pool. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Planting Chrysanthemums

1. Timing: Plant your chrysanthemums in the spring after the last frost has passed. This gives them ample time to establish their roots before the growing season begins. In cooler climates, you can plant them a bit later.

2. Spacing: Space your chrysanthemums about 18 to 24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Proper spacing allows air to circulate around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

3. Depth: When planting, dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the root ball of the mum. Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil. Ensure the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is level with the soil surface.

4. Watering: After planting, water your chrysanthemums thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks as the plants are establishing their roots.

Watering and Fertilizing

Chrysanthemums need regular watering, but overwatering can lead to problems like root rot. Here’s how to properly water and feed your mums:

1. Watering: Water your chrysanthemums deeply but infrequently. The soil should be kept moist but never soggy. Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote fungal growth.

2. Fertilizing: Mums are heavy feeders, so they need regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer or one with a slightly higher phosphorus content to encourage blooming. Apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season. If you’re growing mums in containers, fertilizing every 2-3 weeks might be necessary since the nutrients in the potting soil deplete more quickly.

Pruning and Pinching Back

To encourage a bushier, more compact plant with more blooms, pruning and pinching back are essential steps.

1. Pinching: Pinch back the growing tips of the plants when they’re around 6 to 8 inches tall. This will encourage the plant to branch out, leading to a fuller appearance and more flowers. Pinch back every 3 to 4 weeks until midsummer.

2. Pruning: Once your chrysanthemums have finished blooming in the fall, it’s time to cut them back. Remove dead or diseased stems and cut the plants to a few inches above the ground. This helps prepare them for winter and promotes new growth in the spring.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Chrysanthemums are generally low-maintenance but can fall victim to pests and diseases if not properly cared for. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:

1. Aphids: These tiny pests can suck the sap from your chrysanthemums, causing yellowing leaves and distorted blooms. Use insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water to remove aphids.

2. Spider Mites: Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause speckled, yellowing leaves. Regularly mist the leaves or use an appropriate miticide to control them.

3. Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It thrives in humid conditions and can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering.

4. Root Rot: If your chrysanthemums are overwatered or the soil doesn’t drain well, they can develop root rot. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and avoid watering too frequently.

Overwintering Chrysanthemums

In colder climates, chrysanthemums may not survive the winter unless they are properly cared for. Here’s how to prepare your mums for the cold:

1. Mulching: Once the frost has killed the foliage, cut the plants back to about 3-4 inches above the ground. Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

2. Container Mums: If you’re growing chrysanthemums in containers, move the pots to a sheltered spot like a garage or basement during the winter. Ensure they still get some light to avoid them going dormant entirely.

Transplanting Chrysanthemums

If you need to transplant your mums to a new spot, the best time to do so is early in the spring before the plant begins to actively grow. Dig up the plant carefully, keeping as much of the root ball intact as possible, and replant it in its new location. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Conclusion

Chrysanthemums are relatively easy to grow with proper care. By selecting the right variety, providing the right soil, spacing, and watering practices, and managing pests and diseases, you can enjoy beautiful blooms in your garden year after year. Whether grown in beds, borders, or containers, chrysanthemums are a versatile and stunning addition to any landscape.