Mums, or Chrysanthemums, are a popular choice for fall gardening due to their vibrant colors including reds, yellows, oranges, and more. These flowers are known to brighten up any garden during the cold season. Surprisingly, the Hardy Mums we cultivate at Heeman’s are actually perennials in our area. If planted in the ground, these flowers will continue to grow and bloom every autumn.
Mums usually blossom during autumn season and are programmed to bloom according to the duration of the day. Hence, as the days get shorter, they initiate their flowering process. However, we, as growers, have the ability to accelerate the flowering process of these plants by adjusting their exposure to sunlight. After a few weeks, the plant gets deceived and starts to flower. With the availability of various chrysanthemum species and this technique of manipulating their growth, one can enjoy the beauty of these flowers from early September up until late October.
Taking care of your Potted Chrysanthemum
It’s no secret that caring for chrysanthemums in pots is a breeze. Simply select a compact plant with an abundance of branches and promising buds. However, the key to ensuring your plant thrives is picking the right chrysanthemum. It’s crucial to make sure that the flowers aren’t past expiration or already in bloom when you purchase them. Keep in mind that the majority of chrysanthemums will only provide color for 3-4 weeks, so purchasing blooming mums will reduce the amount of time you can appreciate them.
After bringing your mother plant home and seeing it grow buds or flowers, you can put it in any spot that receives ample sunlight. Make sure to water it frequently and apply fertilizer once every seven days, using a mixture with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (20-20-20), to maintain the flowers’ duration.
