Chrysanthemums n for late fall beauty

by a Master Gardener
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 1:34 PM MDT

There are many kinds of chrysanthemums, some annual and some perennial. The garden annual group that blooms in late summer is easy to grow from seeds sown in open ground as soon as it can be worked. They are suitable for mass color effects. These should be thinned to 12 to 24 inches apart to provide the best blooms. The perennial border kinds bloom profusely in a wide range of colors even after other flowering plants have been killed by frost. Planted in well-drained soil, they will grow for several years in most any climate if mulched during the winter. They are usually propagated by seeds which produce flowers the second year by division or by cuttings of young, firm shoots. The florist’s mum group has a good many varieties that are perfectly hardy and can be grown in the home garden. There are several other kinds of chrysanthemums, including many plants often called daisies that have a place in many home gardens.

A light, rich, and above-all a well drained soil with lots of sunlight is needed for growing beautiful chrysanthemums. A good supply of plant food and humus should be spaded into the soil before planting.

For outdoor culture, plants may be propagated by cuttings of the stem, by division of the crown and some varieties from seeds. Cuttings are easy to grow and the method requires no more special attention than most other plants. Stem cuttings should be taken early in the season when the plant has reached the height of four or five inches. Immediate replanting of divisions of a lifted crown cut into 3 or 4 sections is a common means of propagation since most chrysanthemums should be divided annually to keep plants vigorous. Hardy types may be planted in either the fall or spring, although spring is the more suitable time since plants will have full summer growth established before cold weather. The distance between plants varies with type but ordinarily 18-24 inches will give sufficient space. The depth of the plants should be such that the soil comes to the top of the crown of roots. Always water plants well immediately after setting.

The method of growing all groups is essentially the same. Some protection is needed in the northern states during the winter. Tall plants should be staked. Preferably the tips should be pinched off when the plants are small and again later on to induce bushy growth. By pinching out some of the lateral buds larger terminal blossoms can be produced. Frequent cultivation and feeding are necessary to produce prolific bloom.

A number of insects, especially aphids, as well as several fungus diseases, such as rust, mildew and blight are commonly found on chrysanthemums. The regular use of a good garden dust that controls most chewing, sucking and fungus diseases will stop damage before it gets started. In cases of bad infestations of disease remove infected leaves to increase ventilation, water from below, not allowing the water to get on foliage and again dust every two or three days.

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