How to Grow Chrysanthemum Flowers "Mums"

About Growing Hardy Mums Plants in Your Home Flower Garden

A little frost last night, perhaps a dusting of snow? What are those brightly colored flowers doing shining through such a cold environment….and unharmed at that.!? Most likely it’s a hardy mum, or perennial Chrysanthemum flowers as they are formally called. Mums are indeed hardy, and usually among the last flowers in your garden. You hardly have to know much about growing Chrysanthemums. They do fine unassisted.

Chrysanthemums are native to China and Northeastern Europe. Early explorers discovered this colorful bloomer and brought it back to Europe and other parts of the world. Mums are popular in both the spring and the fall. They are “forced” into blooming in the spring inside greenhouses, and sold at garden stores for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts. These same plants are then placed in flower gardens, cut back and bloom again in the fall.

There are hundreds of varieties of mums. Mums are a member of the daisy family.

Mums look great anywhere that you plant them, indoors or out. They will look beautiful in a flowerpot on your balcony or deck, too.

Flower Colors: Mums come in a wide arrange of colors, including lavender, orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. Also, there is a wide variety of bicolors.

Plant height: 2 to 3 feet.

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 9.

Did You Know? On November 11, 1790 – Chrysanthemums were introduced to England from China.

Perennial, Chrysanthemum Morifolium

Chrysanthemum Plant Propagation

Perennial Chrysanthemum plants are grown from seeds. Sow seeds directly seeded into your flower garden or start indoors for transplanting later. For outdoor starts, plant Chrysanthemum seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring.

Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Space seeds or seedlings 12-18″ apart.

Once your plants have been established, they can be propagated by separation in the fall. Also, you can propagate mums plants through cuttings.

About Seed Germination

How to Grow Chrysanthemum Flower Plants

As stated above, you can grow Chrysanthemum flowers from seeds, division of roots, or cuttings. However, almost everyone buys young plants from their local garden store.

Hardy mums get their name because they are easy to grow. Like other plants, they reward you if placed in the best location of your garden. But, they also thrive well in less than ideal conditions.

While mums will grow well in most parts of your garden, they prefer full to partial sun and good, well-drained soil. If you are short on space, place them in almost any area and they will grow.

Chrysanthemum plants have shallow roots. So, keep them well-watered near the surface. Apply a balanced fertilizer on a regular basis.

Pinch back the growth to promote a bushy appearance. As fall arrives allow the growth to develop. Switch to a fertilizer higher in Phosphorous to promote blooming, and you will be rewarded with a dense, tightly packed cluster of big and colorful blooms. They will shine in your garden long after your other plants have succumbed to frost and age.

Chrysanthemums make excellent cuttings for indoor vases. Just check for bugs that like to harbor in the leaves.

Mums will survive winter in most zones. If you are in a more northerly climate, apply a thick layer of mulch over the plant after the leaves have died off. Also, provide a wind break for the plants.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0.

Also, see:

Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.