Chrysanthemum, CNY’s Versatile and Exciting Flower – Ag Matters

Today will always be the day I understood Chrysanthemums.  There's such a wide variety of them that I couldn't imagine they were all from the same family.  'Mums' may be the perfect flowers for Central New York. The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension call them "the most exciting flower in the landscape for late summer and fall display."

A Chinese philosopher once said "If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow chrysanthemums". The colors alone surely can make you happy that fall is here!

There are many varieties to choose from. The classification of different varieties is based on the type of flower and its growth pattern. The "chrysanthemum" family contains different plants in addition to mums. The term "garden mums" applies to those that will flower in the fall. Although not always available at every garden center, there are six garden mum bloom forms: pompom, decorative, spider, anemone, single daisy, and spoon.

Mums are happiest in as much sun as possible. They like slightly acidic soil that drains well and includes organic matter such as compost. They make excellent container plants too. Adding some general purpose fertilizer also helps.Don't water too much, but don't let them completely dry out either. They will tolerate a light frost and have a long bloom period. Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms.

In most instances, consider this plant an annual for this area. However, that doesn't mean you can't try to get your mums to come back next year. You will have more success if you plant them in the spring; many nurseries do sell plants at that time. When planted in fall, mums don't have enough time to establish a good root system. With a little care, however, it's possible fall planted mums will come back. Try to plant them in the warmest spot in your yard. When a hard frost finally kills the tops of the plant, cut off the dead stems, and cover the plants with mulch three to four inches deep. You can also just mulch the plants as is, and then just wait for the green growth in late spring before you cut off the dead tops. Either way, the mulch cover is important to give your plants some insulation.

The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County answer your lawn and garden questions on the Horticulture Hot Line, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at (315) 736-3394.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension