Once the flowers fade, move the Mum plants to a cool but well-lighted location. You didn't mention what type of facilities you have for storage, so I'll go for the best case scenario. Storage that would allow for the best possible outcome next year. They dry out for the entire winter and should be able to re-establish I have been told that one may store the plants after This fall, and am now not quite sure as to the best method of preparing I'm in a situation where we had invested in a large number of potted mums To help avoid the heaving try to keep the plants somewhat shaded and insulate their roots with a light airy mulch. To help with these problems and keep the plants somewhat protected and dry, you can mound the soil up around each plant, as well as creating a simple drainage ditch alongside. The most dangerous hazards for Chrysanthemums in the winter are constant wetness or ice on the leaves.įrost heaving caused by alternate freezing and thawing of the soil can also a major problem. Seeds may also be started indoors in very early spring for later transplanting into the garden.įor detailed instructions on growing Chrysanthemums from seeds go to Growing Chrysanthemums from Seed Caring for Mums in the WinterĪfter your plants have been killed back by hard frost, cut them back to the ground and provide a light airy mulch of evergreen branches or similar material. Insert the cutting about one inch deep into sterile moist sand, vermiculite or sphagnum moss.Ĭreate a mini-greenhouse over the container with poly film over a wire frame and place it in a bright spot (NOT full sun) until the roots form.Ĭhrysanthemum seeds should be sown into the prepared soil where they are to bloom at least 2 months prior to the first frost. Remove the lower half of the leaves from a 4-6 inch healthy, fresh cutting using a sharp clean knife!ĭip about 3/4 inch of the cut end into a rooting hormone such as Roottone® or Hormonex®. Propagating Chrysanthemums and Growing Them from Seed plant the healthy divisions into newly prepared fertile soil and discard the half dead woody parts. When the new shoots are 1-3 inches tall in early spring, dig up your old clumps and carefully pull them apart. Young divisions will grow much faster and provide a better plant than crowded old clumps. Chrysanthemums should periodically be moved to a new location, but if this is not feasible, the soil should be sterilized chemically to reduce danger of disease and insect problems. Replant the divisions as soon as possible in a loose, well drained, rich organic soil. Remove all dead and diseased plant parts. Dig entire clumps and separate the plants with a sharp, clean knife or spade. They should be divided in the spring when new growth appears. Dividing and Transplanting ChrysanthemumsĬhrysanthemums should be divided every three to five years to avoid overcrowding and promote maximum flowering. On the largest flowering types it is best to remove all buds except for the one on top. When they reach a foot tall, pinch them again. When the plants are 6 inches tall, pinch about 3/4 of an inch from each branch to promote more blooms and bushier plants. Feed lightly every 2 weeks with a good balanced all purpose fertilizer. The plants should be spaced 18-30 inches apart for best results. I recommend that you not grow your mums in the same spot for more than three consecutive years to help prevent associated disease and pest problems. Mums resent 'wet feet' so the hole should be dug extra deep. They should be planted into well prepared, fertile, sandy soil. Mums can be started as seeds, from cuttings and dividing, or can be purchased at a nursery in sizes from bedding plants up to gallon size and larger plants. In northern climates it is wise to purchase the earlier bloomers. You can pick and choose to fit your wants and needs when you visit the nursery. There are hundreds of varieties of Chrysanthemums, giving you a multitude of options for height, color, flower size and time of bloom. They respond to plenty of food and moisture. Chrysanthemums A Chrysanthemum grandiflorum in bloom Pink Chrysanthemum Flowers Golden-Orange Chrysanthemum Flowers Growing Requirements of Chrysanthemum PlantsĬhrysanthemums grow best and produce the most flowers if they are planted in full sunshine. Mums should be planted in early spring after all danger of freezing, however they can be planted almost any time, as long as they have time to establish their root system before the hottest weather. Chrysanthemum plants are just about the easiest of all of the perennials to grow.
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