Hardy mums are often referred to as garden mums. These have full foliage and larger blooms. Floral mums are not winter hardy, and should be avoided when trying to save for multiple years.
Floral mums are usually much smaller plants with small cluster blooms. Make no mistake, chrysanthemums thrive in full sun. But that sun and heat also speeds up the blooming cycle of the plant. And fast! Hot temperatures and full sun are both put mums into full bloom production mode. In addition, the added heat and stress of the sunlight shortens the life of the blooms that appear. But when kept in a partially shaded location, mums keep their blooms for a much longer period of time.
In fact, a mum that blooms in partial shade can keep its blooms for as many as two weeks longer than a full sun mum. Partially shaded patios, porches or under the canopy of a tree are all perfect locations to get the most from your mum bloom time. Last but not least, it is absolutely vital to keep your mums watered!
And believe it or not, how you water can also play a big role in how long and vibrant your blooms will stay. And that means plants can suffer quickly. If buying mums to plant, check the tags, and be sure to select hardy mums or garden mums.
Water deeply at intervals determined by your soil structure—frequently in porous soils, less often in heavy soils. For more information, check out our Beginner's Guide to Mums. What's your mum routine? Let us know if you'll be putting out pots and containers or planting mums in your garden this year. By Southern Living.
Save FB Tweet More. All rights reserved. The majority of mum varieties are winter hardy in Zones 5 through 9. Some varieties, such as Mammoth Daisy, are hardy down to Zone 3. Local nurseries and garden centers will most often feature the varieties that are specific to local areas.
Avoid purchasing from floral shops — their mums are different, less hardy floral varieties. What is the Best Soil for Mums? Chrysanthemums can survive in most soils, but they thrive in well-draining soil with consistent moisture.
Growing mums in hard, dry soil prevents the roots from becoming well established, while wet, boggy soil drowns the roots. Finding the middle ground is key. To create a good soil for your mums, work your soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Mix in 2 to 4 inches of organic material, such as compost or peat moss. The perfect soil texture can be tested by taking a handful and squeezing.
It should simply crumble. Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants. Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching. Mums bloom due to their photoperiodic nature.
When the plant senses a change in the length of darkness in late summer, it begins to set buds. Planting near artificial lights, such as security lights or porch lights, can alter the bloom time of your mums. Does Spacing Really Matter? It can be tempting to plant mums closely together. However, keep in mind that by fall, most properly planted mums will reach up to 3 feet in height and width.
Like many perennials, mums will often become larger each year. Even if your flower bed looks a bit bare when you first plant your mums, in time it will fill in. Spacing mums properly is essential for plant health.
Plants that are too crowded compete for nutrients, have root system issues, attract pests and suffer from disease. Following the plant spacing directions for your chrysanthemum variety increases the health of your garden and protects your investment of time and money. Caring for Chrysanthemums Mums are generally considered low maintenance plants.
Mums require even moisture for the best growth. Consistent watering throughout the spring, summer and fall is essential. Once the ground is frozen in the winter, watering can be suspended until spring warms the soil. Early morning watering, to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, is recommended.
The ideal watering method for mums is one that applies moisture directly to the base of the plants. This prevents moisture from becoming trapped in the thick foliage. Soaker hoses can provide even, consistent moisture directly to the ground, and a water timer saves you the hassle of having to remember to manually water. Should Chrysanthemums Be Pruned? This helps the plant branch out, become fuller and offer more blooms.
When your plant reaches 6 inches tall in the spring, simply pinch off 1 inch of each shoot. Repeat this every 2 to 3 weeks until early summer. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the fall for an extended bloom time. Drought-stressed plants flower poorly, so keep an eye on the soil conditions during hot, dry spring and summer conditions. Also, sprinkle 1 pound of fertilizer over every 25 square feet of garden about one month after the last pinching or when the flower buds begin to swell.
Apply the fertilizer 6 inches away from the base of the mums, and water thoroughly so it soaks into the soil. This late-summer fertilization can increase flowering, especially in areas with wet summers where rainfall has caused nutrients to leach from the soil. Mums come in different varieties, including early-, mid- and late-blooming types. Plant a combination of the three for a longer flowering period in the garden. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since
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