Give a warm welcome to fall with these seasonal blooms.
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are afavorite fall flowerfor many reasons.
They’re bold, beautiful, and their sweet and spicy scent creates an alluringautumn aroma.
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Mums make a wonderful addition to your front porch display and fall flower beds.
Keep reading for all of their care requirements.
Noyes says that indoor mums do best with bright, indirect light.
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Soil
Mums do best in well-drained loam-, clay-, or sand-based soil when planted outdoors.
“The ideal pH should be between slightly acidic and neutral.”
“Water once a day, in the evening hours,” she says.
In containers, they need about 1 inch of water a week.
Check the soil to see if it’s dry and water accordingly.
Temperature and humidity
“Chrysanthemums are cold hardy toUSDA gardening zones5 to 9,” Noyes says.
The humidity level will also affect their mass and growth, and consequently, their blooms."
Sons suggests using liquid Osmocote because it’s gentle and effective.
Types of Mums
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The Chrysanthemum genus includes about 40 species.
“you’re free to keep doing this till mid-July,” she says.
it’s possible for you to propagate mums from seeds, cuttings, or division.
Then, dip cuttings in a root hormone and plant in a perlite and compost mixture.
Dividing mum plants is one of the best ways to propagate them.
double-check each section has roots and replant them into containers or in your garden.
“In most places, this means between February and March.”
Growing in Pots
Many mums that are sold in pots from stores are typically florist mums.
Gardening mums thrive in zones 5-9, and florist mums can only withstand temperatures of zones 7-9.
Remember, mums love sunlight, and indoor mums do best with bright, indirect light.
Also, ensure to water them thoroughly, as they are thirsty plants.
Overwintering
Mums are cold hardy, but you still need to protect them against frigid temperatures.
Spread a layer of mulch or straw around the base to help them survive the winter.
Mums have long blooming cycles but typically bloom in late July and through October.
Since there is less daylight in the fall, it makes them bloom during these months.
If you care for garden mums properly, they are able to bloom yearly.
confirm to protect your mums during winter months so you’re free to enjoy them every fall.
