Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a beloved flower for autumn gardening. They come in a variety of vibrant hues such as reds, yellows, and oranges, adding a pop of color to gardens during the cooler season. Interestingly, the Hardy Mums we cultivate at Heeman’s are perennials in our region, which means that they can bloom again every fall when planted in the ground.
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are known for their fall blooming. They naturally bloom in response to the shorter days during this season. However, as growers, we have the ability to manipulate their flowering time by controlling their exposure to sunlight. By adjusting the amount of sun they receive, we can trick the plant into beginning its flowering cycle earlier than usual. With the wide variety of chrysanthemums available, it’s possible to have blooming plants from early September all the way through late October.
Taking Care of Your Potted Chrysanthemums
If you’re a gardening enthusiast, nurturing chrysanthemums in pots may be one of the simplest chores. All you need to do is select a small plant with numerous branches and buds. However, choosing the proper ones is critical since it’s essential to ensure that the blossoms aren’t wilting or blooming at an inconvenient moment. Purchasing chrysanthemums that are already in bloom may reduce the duration of their vibrant appearance to just three or four weeks. Therefore, make sure to select healthy plants that will bloom for an extended period.
After you bring your mother plant home and it starts to blossom or bloom, you can move it to a sunny spot almost anywhere. To prolong the life of your blooms, make sure to water them frequently and fertilize with 20-20-20 once a week.
