Chrysanthemums are one of the most representative flowers that bloom from summer to autumn.
Growing chrysanthemums in your backyard is easy, as long as you provide them with plenty of sunlight and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Also known as mums, chrysanthemums are a great choice to plant in your backyard if you want colorful blooms even in the fall.
Chrysanthemums planted in March will flower in the fall, especially when many other plants are starting to wither and die.
Also known as “mums,” chrysanthemums are versatile, relatively easy-to-care-for flowering plants known for their vibrantly colored flowers.
The general growing conditions for chrysanthemums are full sunlight, fertile soil, and well-drained, well-aerated potting soil.
Not only can you plant these fall-flowering plants in your backyard, but you also need to give them proper care to ensure they stay alive until the next flowering season.
If you want to grow mums in your garden, you can propagate them by division or cuttings. They can also be propagated by seed, but this takes time.
Once the plants are established, give them plenty of sunlight, water them and give them proper care, enriching the soil with a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation requirements for mums
Known for their attractive, long-lasting flowers, mums are easy to care for and prefer several conditions to grow and bloom: full sun, moist soil, and nutrient-rich soil.
Although highly adaptable, understanding basic growing requirements is essential to growing healthy plants.
1. Sunlight (Choose a location that gets 6 hours of sunlight)
Mums can tolerate partial shade, but if you want the most beautiful flowers in your garden, make sure they get at least six hours of direct sun.
In hotter climates, mums can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will cause the plants to grow taller and produce fewer flowers.
2. Soil (well-drained and well-aerated soil)
Chrysanthemums prefer soil that is well-drained and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0).
If your soil is heavy or clayey, mix in some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Good drainage is important, as standing waterlogged or overly wet conditions can cause root rot.
3. Watering (1 inch of water per week)
Plants need light, water and nutrients to grow and flower.
Nutrients in the soil are transported to plants through water.
Overwatering and underwatering are the most common causes of stunted plant growth.
Water your plants only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and death of the plant.
Water the plant thoroughly around the base of the plant to ensure the roots are well hydrated.
Be careful not to get the leaves wet as this can lead to fungal diseases. Check the soil regularly during dry periods and water as needed.
4. Fertilize (use a balanced fertilizer)
Chrysanthemums benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
For healthy growth and abundant blooms, use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (10-10-10).
Start fertilizing your mums in early spring and continue until they start to flower in the fall. Once buds form, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage blooms.
5. Pruning and pinching
To keep mums compact and full, pick them in early summer.
Pinching will encourage the plant to produce more branches, a bushier look, and more flowers in the fall.
Stop pinching around mid-July to allow buds to form for fall flowering.
How to plant and grow chrysanthemums?
When you grow chrysanthemums, they produce vibrantly colored flowers.
You can plant it in your garden or grow it in a container.
Mums come in dozens of different varieties and are easy-to-grow flowering plants that bloom in the fall.
1. Choose the right location
First, choose a sunny spot in your yard or garden – mums need at least six hours of sun per day to produce their best blooms.
Avoid planting in areas prone to flooding or waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
2. Soil Preparation
Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 12 to 15 inches.
Mix in some organic matter, such as compost or well-composted manure, to improve drainage and provide nutrients.
Chrysanthemums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
3. Planting chrysanthemums (division, cuttings, sowing seeds)
It’s all up to you.
Chrysanthemums can be grown by dividing the plant, by simply planting cuttings in soil, or from seed.
Simply plant the chrysanthemum in a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill the hole with soil, lightly firming it down around the plant to eliminate any air pockets.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air flow and growth.
4. Watering and mulching
After planting, give your mum plenty of water so she can get used to her new environment.
From now on, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Fertilization
Fertilize your chrysanthemums regularly during the growing season.
Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, to provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Once the plants begin to sprout, switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to promote more widespread, vibrant blooms.
6. Pruning to encourage growth
To encourage chrysanthemums to grow lush and abundantly, pinch off the growing tips in early summer.
Pinching the top will encourage the plant to branch out and produce more flowers.
Continue pinching every few weeks until mid-July to avoid cutting off fall flower buds.
What types of chrysanthemums can be grown?
There are many different types of chrysanthemums, each with their own unique flower shape and growth habits.
Below are some of the most popular varieties you can grow in your garden.
1. A single chrysanthemum
Single-flowered mums resemble daisies, with a central disk surrounded by one or two layers of petals.
These are usually smaller and more delicate than other varieties, but are very attractive and look great both in garden beds and in containers.
Single-flowered chrysanthemums, like other chrysanthemums, require the same growing conditions as other chrysanthemums: plenty of sun and well-drained soil.
2. Pompom Chrysanthemum
Pompon mums produce small, round, ball-like flowers with densely packed petals.
These are compact plants that are perfect for borders or as accent plants.
Like other chrysanthemums, pom pom mums like full sun and regular fertilizer, and their unique flower shape adds texture to flower beds.
3. Cushion Chrysanthemum
Cushion mums are known for their low, hilly growth habit, making them ideal for ground cover or planting at the front of a border.
Produced with lots of small flowers that can overwhelm the entire plant, this hardy perennial is perfect for filling up space in the garden and requires very little care once planted.
4. Anemone Chrysanthemum
Anemonemums have a cushion-like raised centre surrounded by flat petals, creating a striking contrast.
These flowers are often larger than single or pom-pom varieties, adding a unique focal point to your garden. Like most chrysanthemums, they grow best in well-drained soil and full sun.
5. Spider chrysanthemum
Spider mums are characterised 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 make a stunning addition to the garden.
Spider mums are a little more delicate than other varieties, so make sure you plant them somewhere that’s protected from strong winds.
6. Spoon Chrysanthemum
Spoonmums get their name from the spoon-shaped petals that give them a unique and playful appearance.
These unusual chrysanthemums can add a touch of fun to your garden. Like all chrysanthemums, spoon chrysanthemums need plenty of sun and regular watering to thrive.
How to care for chrysanthemums?
Once established, chrysanthemums require ongoing care to keep them looking their best.
Here’s how to care for your mum throughout the growing season:
1. Watering
Mums like constant humidity, but be careful not to overwater them: Water generously around the base of the plant to encourage root growth, but avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal problems.
During dry periods, check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
2. Fertilization
Continue to feed your mum with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
Once buds form, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage abundant blooms.
Fertilize once a month during the growing season, then reduce fertilization once the flowers begin to fade.
3. Deadheading
To encourage continued flowering, remove the spent flowers (a process called deadheading).
This will direct the plant’s energy towards producing new shoots, rather than being wasted on dead flowers. Cut dead flowers off at the base of the stem.
4. Support
Taller varieties of chrysanthemums may need staking or supporting, especially if planted in a windy location.
Use bamboo stakes or garden twine to keep the plants upright and prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the flowers.
5. Wintering
In colder climates, garden mums may need additional protection to get through winter.
After the first frost, cut the plants back to about 6 inches above ground level and apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
In warm climates, chrysanthemums may continue to grow and bloom all year round.
Are chrysanthemums and mums perennials or annuals?
Chrysanthemums can be perennials or annuals, depending on the species and growing conditions.
The hardy garden mums that most people are familiar with are perennials, meaning that if planted in the right environment, they will bloom every year.
Chrysanthemums are often found planted in garden beds in the autumn and, if properly cared for, will bloom year after year, brightening up your garden during the cooler months.
Mums sold at florists, on the other hand, are generally treated as annuals. If you buy mums in decorative pots at a garden center, you can plant them in your garden, but they often cannot survive winter conditions, especially in colder climates.
If you live in a milder climate or are willing to provide additional protection, these mums may also return the following year.
Conclusion
Having a garden in your backyard is a wonderful thing, and adding flowering plants such as chrysanthemums makes it even more amazing.
Not only do they produce spectacular blooms that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, flowering plants also benefit vegetable gardens by attracting pollinators.
With the right growing conditions – plenty of sun, well-drained soil, regular watering and fertilizer – mums will thrive and produce an abundance of beautiful flowers.
By choosing the right variety and providing proper care, such as pinching to increase bushiness and overwintering in colder climates, you can enjoy chrysanthemums year after year.
From delicate single mums to dramatic spider varieties, 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 so they remain vibrant centerpieces in your garden all season long.
Khaja Moinuddin, a Computer Science graduate, finds joy in gardening and self-sufficiency. In this blog, she shares her experiences with self-sufficiency, gardening and composting.
