If there is a plant in the garden that could be considered secretive – it would most likely be the chrysanthemum. When pinched and pruned properly they fill border space nicely, but could hardly be considered a focal point – for most of the season anyway. Spring, summer and winter could be considered staging time for this perennial.
When daylight lessens and fall sets in these once shy plants take full command of the garden and come into full glory - magnificently making their presence known. And what a way to say goodbye to the growing season as the landscape comes alive with color and flowers that are known as one of the most popular perennials in the world.
The Following Growing Tips Should Be Helpful
Mums are easy to grow in general. Some of the exotic varieties can be a bit more challenging, so start with the small flower forms and learn the basics. They aren’t particular as to soil. Even clay is okay as long as they don’t stand in water. If drainage is really poor, plant high on mounded areas, and mulching the soil surface is always appreciated by the plant.
Sandy and other quick draining soils will need aged compost added to the soil zone to help retain soil moisture. Consistency in soil moisture is required for optimum growth for most plants – especially mums. Drought stresses mums and their leaves will dull in color; the stems will turn brittle and lose their lower leaves.
Mums need sunlight to perform optimally, however if you live in a hot summer climate zone, think about planting mums where they will receive some shade in the afternoon. The flowers will last longer. Don’t plant in areas where tree and shrub roots have dominated the upper soil profile – mums are shallow rooters and will need to be able to freely spread their roots out.
When it comes to mums once you get them growing there isn’t much that can stop them, however to keep them looking sharp through the growing season and to prepare them for optimum fall bloom there is a lot you’ll need to know about pruning.
When they are done blooming in the fall, you should cut them back to within 8 to 10 inches of soil surface. Then in early spring when growth start again for the season, do another shearing – this will encourage bushy full growth. You don’t want leggy, floppy mums.
As the season progresses, pinching off the tip of all the growing stems will promote side branching, fullness and therefore more flowers in the fall. As a general rule, stop pinching large flower type mums by the middle of July. Small flower types can be pinched till August 15th. Pinch after these dates and you’ll be removing the forming flower buds.
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Once you grow mums for a season or two, expand your horizons and try some of the exotic forms. Take a look online at websites like King's Mums - you’ll be amazed.
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