Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums or "mums" are popular perennials. Native to the orient mums produce
more color for fall gardens than any other plant and they are easy to grow.
They can be difficult to overwinter in zone 4. However, the University of
Minnesota has developed a variety of cultivars hardy enough for most Minnesota
winters.
Planting
Mums are rarely grown from seeds, but plants are easily available throughout
the growing season. Plant chrysanthemums in spring after all danger of
frost has passed. You can use small plants derived from rooted cuttings,
divisions, or rooted suckers of old plants. Or purchase large container
plants at a garden center and plant anytime during spring, summer, or
early fall. Plant at least three shoots in a triangular pattern.
It's easy to make new clumps in the spring by digging up the old planting
and dividing the clumps and replanting small shoots around the edge that
are sending out roots.
Sunny locations are best. Incorporate 2 - 4" of peat moss, compost,
or well-rotted barnyard manure into the soil. If no peat moss or organic
matter, apply 3 to 4 phounds per 100 square feet with 5-10-10 or 5-10-5
complete fertilizer in the spring. If summer is dry, water regularly.
Apply 2 - 3" of mulch such as grass clippings, compost, or shredded
leaves to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.
Tips
Pinch or prune regularly to maintain a bushy compact plant form. The newer
cultivars do not require pinching. The traditional method is to pinch
out the tip to induce branching and make the other flowers larger. Repeat
pinching on side branches when they reach 6". Continue pinching until
mid-June for early flowering varieties and late June for September flowering
varieties and early July for October flowering varieties. Or cut back
by a third in early summer to keep the clumps bushier.
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