How to Grow and Care Chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums are one of the prominent flowering plants that bloom from summer through fall.

It’s easy to grow mums in your backyard, provided that you give them enough sunlight and well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.

Also known as a mum, Chrysanthemums are a great addition to your backyard if you’re looking to have colorful blooms even in autumn.

Planted in March, mums produce blossoms, particularly in the fall when many other plants start winding down.

Often referred to as “mums,” Chrysanthemums are versatile and relatively easy to care for flowering plants that are renowned for their vibrant colored blossoms.

Adequate sunlight, rich soil, well-drained and well-aerated growing medium are common requirements of Chrysanthemums.

Apart from just planting these fall flowering plants in your backyard, you must take proper care to keep them alive for the next blooming season.

Growing Requirements of Mums

Prominent for enticing and long-lasting flowers, Mums are easy to care for and have only a few preferences, like full sunlight and moist soil, along with nutrient-rich soil to grow and produce blooms.

Though they are adaptable, it is essential to understand their basic growing requirements to have a healthy plant.

1. Sunlight (Choose a location that gets 6 hours of sunlight)

Mums can tolerate partial shade, but if you’re looking to have the best blossoms in your garden, then give them at least 6 hours of full sunlight.

In hotter climates, Mums can tolerate a bit of shade, but too much shade can cause the plants to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

2. Soil (Well-drained and well-aerated soil)

Chrysanthemums prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0).

If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some organic matter like compost to improve drainage.

Standing water or overly wet conditions can cause root rot, so good drainage is crucial.

3. Watering (Water 1 inch per week)

Plants need light, water, and nutrients to grow and produce blooms.

Nutrients in the soil are transported to plants through water.

Overwatering and underwatering are the most common cause of stunted plant growth.

Water the plant only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry. Avoid excess watering as it can lead to root rot and plant death.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, ensuring the roots are hydrated.

Be careful not to get the leaves wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases. During dry spells, check the soil regularly and water as needed.

4. Fertilizing (Use balanced fertilizer)

Chrysanthemums benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season.

Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (10-10-10) to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Begin feeding your mums in early spring and continue until they start blooming in the fall. Once buds have formed, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage flower production.

5. Pruning and Pinching

To keep your mums compact and complete, pinch them back in early summer.

Pinching encourages the plant to produce more branches, resulting in a bushier shape and more blooms in the fall.

Stop pinching around mid-July to allow buds to form for the fall bloom.

How to Plant and Grow Chrysanthemums?

Growing chrysanthemums rewards you with vibrant colored blossoms.

You can plant them in the garden or grow them in a container.

With dozens of different varieties, mums are easy to grow flowering plants that can bloom in fall.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Start by selecting a sunny location in your garden or yard. Mums need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce the best blooms.

Avoid planting them in areas that are prone to flooding or where water tends to pool, as this can lead to root rot.

2. Preparing the Soil

Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 12 to 15 inches.

Mix in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and provide nutrients.

Chrysanthemums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

3. Planting Chrysanthemums (Division, Cuttings or Seed)

It all depends on you.

You can grow chrysanthemums by division process or just by planting the cutting in the soil or starting from scratch through seeds.

Just plant the mums in a slightly larger hole than the root ball.

Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the plant to eliminate air pockets.

Space your plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.

4. Watering and Mulching

Water your mums deeply after planting to help them settle into their new environment.

Going forward, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Fertilizing

Feed your chrysanthemums regularly during the growing season.

Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

As the plants begin to bud, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to encourage more extensive and more vibrant blooms.

6. Pinching for Bushier Growth

To ensure your chrysanthemums grow bushy and full, pinch back the growing tips in early summer.

Pinching encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in more blooms.

Continue pinching every few weeks until mid-July to avoid cutting off flower buds for fall.

What Are Various Types of Chrysanthemums That You Can Grow?

Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of forms, each with its unique flower shape and growth habit.

Below are some of the most popular types you can grow in your garden.

1. Single Chrysanthemums

Single mums resemble daisies, with a central disc surrounded by one or two layers of petals.

These are typically smaller and more delicate than other types, but they’re incredibly charming and look great in both garden beds and containers.

Single chrysanthemums require the same growing conditions as other mums, with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.

2. Pompom Chrysanthemums

Pompom mums have small, round, ball-like blooms that are densely packed with petals.

These are compact plants that make excellent borders or accent plants.

Pompom mums prefer full sun and regular feeding, just like other chrysanthemums, and their unique flower shape adds texture to garden beds.

3. Cushion Chrysanthemums

Cushion mums are known for their low, mound-like growth habit, making them perfect for ground covers or front-of-the-border plantings.

They produce masses of small flowers, often completely covering the plant. These hardy perennials are great for filling in garden spaces and require little maintenance once established.

4. Anemone Chrysanthemums

Anemone mums have a raised, cushion-like center surrounded by flatter petals, creating a striking contrast.

These blooms are often larger than single or pompom varieties and add a unique focal point to your garden. Like most chrysanthemums, they thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight.

5. Spider Chrysanthemums

Spider mums are characterized by their long, tubular petals that spread out in all directions, resembling the legs of a spider.

These dramatic flowers are often used in floral arrangements but also look stunning in the garden.

Spider mums are slightly more delicate than other types, so be sure to plant them in a spot that provides shelter from strong winds.

6. Spoon Chrysanthemums

Spoon mums are named for their spoon-shaped petals, which give the flowers a distinctive and playful appearance.

These mums are unusual and can add an element of whimsy to your garden. Like other chrysanthemums, spoon mums require full sun and regular watering to thrive.

How to Care for Chrysanthemums?

Once your chrysanthemums are established, they require ongoing care to keep them looking their best.

Here’s how to care for your mums throughout the growing season:

1. Watering

Mums prefer consistent moisture, but be careful not to overwater. Water the plants deeply at the base to encourage root growth and avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can lead to fungal issues.

During dry spells, check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.

2. Fertilizing

Continue feeding your mums throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Once buds have formed, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus to promote abundant blooms.

 Fertilize once a month during the growing season and reduce feeding as the flowers start to fade.

3. Deadheading

To encourage continuous blooming, remove spent flowers (a process called deadheading).

This redirects the plant’s energy into producing new buds rather than wasting it on spent blooms. Snip off the faded flowers at the base of the stem.

4. Supporting

Some taller varieties of chrysanthemums may require staking or support, especially if they’re planted in windy areas.

Use bamboo stakes or garden twine to keep the plants upright and prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the blooms.

5. Overwintering

In colder climates, garden mums may need some extra protection to survive the winter.

After the first frost, cut the plants back to about 6 inches above the ground and apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.

In warmer climates, chrysanthemums may continue to grow and bloom year-round.

Are Chrysanthemums or Mums Perennial or Annual Plants?

Chrysanthemums can be either perennials or annuals, depending on the type and growing conditions.

The hardy garden mums that most people are familiar with are perennials, meaning they will return year after year if planted in the right environment.

These are the mums you often see planted in garden beds in the fall. With proper care, they’ll bloom each year, brightening up your landscape during the cooler months.

On the other hand, florist mums are typically treated as annuals. These are the mums you might buy in a decorative pot from the garden center, and while they can be planted in the garden, they often don’t survive winter conditions, especially in colder climates.

If you live in a milder climate, or if you’re willing to provide some extra protection, even these mums can potentially return the following year.

Conclusion

Having a garden in your backyard is a boon. Adding flowering plants like chrysanthemums is an excellent addition to it.

Apart from offering stunning blooms in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors, flowering plants benefit your vegetable garden by attracting pollinators.

With the right growing conditions, which include full sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering and fertilizing, your mums will thrive and reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms.

By selecting a suitable variety and providing proper care, including pinching for bushier growth and overwintering in colder climates, you can enjoy chrysanthemums year after year.

From the delicate Single mums to the dramatic Spider variety, there’s a chrysanthemum to suit every garden style and climate.

With a little effort, you can grow and care for these iconic fall flowers, ensuring they remain a vibrant centre piece in your garden throughout the season.