Am I Taking Good Care Of My Chrysanthemums?

Are your chrysanthemums planted somewhere where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day?

Are they planted in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter?

Are you watering your mums regularly?

Have you been fertilizing your chrysanthemums?

Have you been pruning your chrysanthemums?

Have you been dividing your chrysanthemums every 2 to 3 years?

Are you making sure your mums are pest and disease-free?

Chrysanthemums prefer full sunlight during the growing season. Not enough sunlight will result in a weaker plant that produces fewer flower heads. If they are growing in containers, you can move them to a shadier spot after flower buds develop. Blooms will last longer that way.

Mums prefer rich, well-drained soil. A good rule of thumb is if the soil is good for vegetables, it's good for mums. Add aged manure or compost to the soil.

Mums require frequent watering due to their shallow root system, especially in high heat or little rainfall. A layer of mulch in summer will help conserve water and keep the soil moist and cool. However, they do not like standing water and will quickly rot if left in soggy soil.

It is important to provide nutrients to chrysanthemums during their vegetative phase. Feed the plants before flower buds form to promote healthy roots, bud development, and a vigorous plant. Start a feeding cycle from March to May, after the danger of frost has passed. That way any new growth forced by the nutrients will not be in danger of damage from icy weather. Continue feeding mum plants monthly until June to July or when the plant is forming flower buds. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer applied in March to April that will finish by July.

Pinch approximately 1 inch from the branch tips two to three times during the growing season to encourage branching and a sturdier plant. Early bloomers that bloom in mid-September, should be pinched no later than mid-June. October bloomers can be pinched up until mid-July, with the rule of thumb being not to pinch any closer than 3 months to bloom time. Don’t cut back mums when tidying up flower beds in the fall. The dead growth insulates the roots. Cut off the dead stems and leaves when you see the first green shoots in the spring.

Every 2 to 3 years divide the mums when you see new growth in the spring. Using a large knife cut out the old central portion of the plant and discard it. Cut the remaining portion into sections. Each section should have several shoots and a good root system. Replant these sections.

Good job! You are taking good care of your chrysanthemums.

Some diseases that can affect them are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and viral diseases. Avoid overcrowding and overly shady locations that cause moisture to remain on the leaves and provide a habitat for diseases. Pests can include aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers, plant bugs, and spider mites.