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Writer's picturealyssakessinger

Mums (Chrysanthemums): Extending the Beauty of Your Fall Garden


Chrysanthemums, often affectionately referred to as "mums," are the darlings of the fall garden. Their vibrant colors and lush blooms bring a burst of life and color just as other plants are winding down for the season. To ensure your mums thrive and provide a spectacular display that lasts well into autumn, it's essential to understand their care requirements, ideal placement, and additional techniques to extend their beauty.


Choosing the Right Chrysanthemums


Before delving into care and placement, it's important to select the right chrysanthemum varieties for your garden. There are two main categories of chrysanthemums:


1. Garden Mums: These are the most common chrysanthemums, characterized by their classic daisy-like flowers. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them versatile for various garden designs.


2. Hardy Mums: Also known as garden hardy mums or Belgian mums, these varieties are bred for increased cold tolerance. They can withstand lower temperatures and are excellent choices for regions with early frosts.


Chrysanthemum Care Tips


1. Sunlight:


Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight to encourage strong growth and prolific flowering.


2. Soil Preparation:


Well-draining soil is crucial for chrysanthemum health. Amend your garden soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. Ensure the soil's pH level is between 6.5 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.


3. Planting:


When planting chrysanthemums, space them adequately to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Ensure they are planted at the same depth they were in their nursery pots and water thoroughly after planting.


4. Watering:


Consistent moisture is key to chrysanthemum health. Water your mums regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the foliage.


5. Fertilization:


Feed your chrysanthemums with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.


6. Pruning:


Regularly pinch or trim your mums throughout the spring and early summer to encourage branching and prevent leggy growth. This practice also helps to delay flowering, resulting in a more extended bloom period.


7. Deadheading:


Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering. Deadheading redirects the plant's energy toward producing new buds, ensuring a longer-lasting display.


Extending the Season with Chrysanthemums


To extend the beauty of your chrysanthemum display well into the fall season, consider these additional tips:


1. Late-Season Planting:


Plant chrysanthemums as late as early July to delay their flowering. This can help ensure they reach their peak bloom during the later weeks of autumn.


2. Mulching:


Apply a layer of mulch around your chrysanthemums to conserve soil moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Mulch also prevents weeds, which can compete with your plants for nutrients.


3. Overwintering:


In colder climates, mulch your chrysanthemums heavily after the first hard frost. This insulates the plants and prevents them from freezing, allowing you to enjoy blooms even longer.


4. Protect from Frost:


Cover your chrysanthemums with blankets or burlap on nights when frost is expected. This can help protect the blooms from damage and prolong their beauty.




With the right care, placement, and additional techniques, chrysanthemums can provide a breathtaking and extended show in your fall garden. By choosing the appropriate varieties, understanding their care requirements, and implementing these tips, you'll be able to enjoy their vibrant colors and cheerful blooms well into the autumn season. Happy gardening!

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