As summer plants fade, chrysanthemums step in with a burst of colour. Also called ‘mums’, they are the go-to flowers for autumn charm as they require low maintenance, are hardy, and gorgeous.
But why are chrysanthemums perfect for autumn? Chrysanthemums thrive in cooler weather and bloom from late summer till the first winter months. With hues of red, yellow, orange, purple, and white, they’re the stars of any autumn garden.
Pick the right type of mum for your garden Garden (hardy) mums survive winter and are great for outdoor planting. Florist (tender) mums look stunning indoors but can’t handle frost. Tip: For outdoor autumn displays, go for hardy mums.
When and where to plant the mums? Plant hardy mums in early spring or summer for best results. Already-blooming mums bought in fall are great for instant colour addition to your garden.
When and where to plant the mums? Mums love to bask in the sun, so pick a spot with more than six hours of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Planting steps, simplified Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Then press soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly. Maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.7 for happy blooms.
How to care for your chrysanthemums? Having the right amount of moisture in the soil is essential. Do not overwater or make the soil soggy. To keep this extra moisture away, add mulch. It also prevents the growth of weeds.
You can fertilise monthly until late summer with a balanced 10-10-10 mix. The 10-10-10 mix refers to a balanced fertiliser that contains equal parts of the three primary nutrients essential — nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for plant growth.
Want more blooms? Try pinching! Pinching encourages bushier plants with more flowers. When the plant is six inches tall, pinch one inch off the top. Repeat every two to three weeks till mid-July.
How to keep away pests and diseases? Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of the bugs. Prevent powdery mildew and rust by watering early and spacing plants well.
Help your mums survive winter In cold areas, cut stems to three to four inches after the first frost and add a thick mulch layer. In warmer regions, mums can overwinter in the ground with lighter mulch. They can be pruned in early spring.
Propagate your mums for more blooms next year In early summer, take four to five-inch stem cuttings from healthy new growth. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in moist soil to encourage root development.
Alternatively, you can divide mature plants every two to three years — this not only gives you new plants but also keeps the original ones healthy and vigorous.
Ready to roll up your sleeves for autumn? Would you rather scroll past fall or get your hands dirty in rich soil, planting a garden that bursts with colour till in October and November — the onset of winter?
With just a little love, light, and care, chrysanthemums promise magic all season long.