Click here to view all Chrysanthemum varieties

Planting Chrysanthemums / Mums

When?

• The best time to plant Mums in the garden is in the spring after the last frost date.
• Mums can be started indoors from seed 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
• Plants bought in summer can be planted straight into borders and containers for instant fall color. Since their roots need at least 6 weeks to become established before freezing weather, they may not survive the winter.

Where?

• Garden Mums are winter hardy perennials and can generally perform well in USDA Zones 5-9. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• Chrysanthemums are easily grown in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. However, in warm climates, the plants often appreciate some afternoon shade.
• Since Chrysanthemums set buds in response to day length (12 hours or less), avoid confusing them by planting them near nighttime light sources, such as street or patio lights. Plants that receive light at night will be slow to bud.
• Garden Mums require regular watering through the growing season. Never let the soil dry out completely. Do not overwater as they dislike waterlogged conditions and will quickly rot.
• Chrysanthemums look great in borders and containers and suit most garden styles, including cottage gardens, exotic gardens, and city gardens.
• Plant your Chrysanthemums with other fall-blooming plants such as asters, bluebeards, coneflowers, goldenrods, Russian sage, or sedums for great color combinations.

How?

• Chrysanthemums will grow very satisfactorily in most well-drained garden soils. They perform best if the soil contains considerable humus in the form of peat, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure, such as garden compost.
• Plant your Chrysanthemums in the ground at the same depth they were in the pot.
• Space plants 12-36 in. apart (30–90cm) depending on their expected mature size.
• Stake to support tall Chrysanthemum varieties.
• Provide good air circulation.

Click here to compare all Chrysanthemum varieties

Chrysanthemum / Mum Care

Pinching Chrysanthemum

• Pinch back the stems to promote a sturdy, well-branched plant that will carry more flowers.
• Once new shoots reach about 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm), pinch off the top with your fingertips to remove the tiny new leaves.
• Pinch again every time the plant grows another 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm).
• Continue pinching until buds develop. Never prune away buds.

Fertilizing

• Mums are heavy feeders. They respond well to the addition of one or two light applications of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
• The first treatment is best applied and incorporated into the soil just before planting.
• The second application may be applied during midsummer and cultivated into the soil.
• During flowering, to maximize the display, you can give a weekly high-potassium feed, such as tomato fertilizer.

Mulching

• Add a thick layer of mulch around the Mum to conserve soil moisture and to keep weeds out.
• Use well-rotted manure or garden compost.
• If leaving Mums in the ground over winter, provide a 4-6 in. (10-15 cm) layer of mulch in late autumn.

Disbudding Chrysanthemum (removing some flower buds)

• Disbudding is a technique used to produce big flowers or well-balanced clusters.
• Pinch off all buds except the largest and strongest on each stem. Remove secondary buds farther down the stem as they develop, too. 

Pruning / Deadheading Mums

• Deadheading faded flowers regularly helps to keep a neat display and encourages new buds to form for a longer display.
• After frost kills the foliage, prune the plant back to within 8 in. (20 cm) of ground.
• Cover the remainder of the plant with several inches of mulch for protection during the winter.

Overwintering

• Most hardy Chrysanthemums can generally be kept outdoors (in the ground) through the winter in hardiness zones 5-9.
• However, depending on your geographic area, it may be safer to lift and store your Mums over winter in light, frost-free conditions (basement or dark, cold closet).
• After flowering, cut down the stems to about 8 in. (20cm) tall.
• Lift the plants and remove the soil from the roots.
• Snip off any green shoots and leaves, so you get bare stems.
• Place the Mums in a shallow tray on a 2 in. (5 cm) layer of slightly damp compost. Cover the roots lightly with loose compost.
• Store in a cold but frost-free location.
• Keep the compost just moist through the winter

Propagating Mums

• Mums can be propagated by cuttings (in spring) and division, and it is also possible to grow a few Chrysanthemums from seed.
• Cuttings: Cut a stem that is at least 4 in. long (10 cm) and root in sterile potting soil. Water daily and keep on a sunny windowsill until established.
• Division: Divide plants that have grown in the garden every two to three years. The best time to divide is 3-4 weeks after the last killing spring frost. The new shoots or divisions should be planted in the garden about 18-24 in. apart (45-60 cm).
• Seeds: Seeds are used only for the production of new cultivars because seedlings do not come true. Seed may be gathered in the fall, stored over winter, and planted in protected seedbeds in early spring. They should germinate within two weeks, and the resulting plants should flower in the same year.

Pest and Diseases

• Chrysanthemums are susceptible to several pests, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers, plant bugs, and spider mites.
• Chrysanthemums can be affected by several diseases, including leaf spots, powdery mildew, grey mold or Chrysanthemum white rust. Provide good air circulation and avoid shady sites that cause moisture to remain on the leaves, and provide a habitat for diseases.