COLUMBIA — The cheerful chrysanthemum, commonly known as the mum, is a key flower signaling the arrival of fall, according to David Trinklein, a horticulturist with the University of Missouri Extension. Mums offer a vibrant display of color for weeks, even when many other flowers have finished blooming for the season.
Mums are among the oldest cultivated flowers. They were raised in China for ornamental and medicinal uses over 2,000 years ago. In ancient Japan, families displayed chrysanthemum insignias on their crests to signify status. Warriors even engraved images of mums on their swords. In the eighth century, the emperor designated the chrysanthemum as Japan’s official seal. Today, these flowers are also used as grave decorations and are recognized as November’s official flower.
Trinklein notes that new varieties developed by plant breeders have increased the popularity of mums. The Belgium or European garden chrysanthemum, for example, has gained attention for its impressive size and abundant blooms. A single Belgium mum can produce over 500 flowers, delighting enthusiasts with its improved growth and performance in gardens.
Mums are classified as short-day plants, which means they require long periods of darkness to bloom. Most modern cultivars start to show color from mid-September to early October, depending on the specific variety and temperature.
Garden mums are available in the spring as rooted cuttings in small containers or in the fall as larger, mature plants that are often in full bloom.
Tips for Growing Mums
Spring Mums:
Planting Site: Choose a well-drained area that gets at least eight hours of sunlight.
Spacing: Space smaller plants 18 to 24 inches apart. For more vigorous cultivars, allow 30 to 36 inches between plants.
Fertilization: Use a granular fertilizer such as 5-10-5, applying 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet. Mix it into the soil. After transplanting, use a soluble starter fertilizer high in phosphorus, like 9-45-15.
Pinching: Pinch spring-planted garden mums every three to four weeks to promote bushy growth and more flowers. For best results, stop pinching by July 4 to avoid removing flower buds.
Watering: Ensure the plants receive about 1.5 inches of water weekly during the growing season.
Mulching: Use bark, wood chips, or other organic materials to conserve moisture and control weeds.
Pest Control: Check for aphids, two-spotted mites, and powdery mildew. Garden chrysanthemums are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Fall Mums:
Choosing Plants: Select plants that are starting to show color. These will bloom longer, maintaining bright colors even after light frosts. However, colors may fade after heavy frosts.
Planting Conditions: Most potted mums are grown in a soilless medium rich in organic matter. Plant them in well-drained soil in garden beds or borders. Fall-planted mums may struggle in heavy soils. After transplanting, ensure the plants are well-watered to establish a strong root system.
Winter Protection: To prevent winterkill, apply mulch around the base of the plants after the tops have faded and been removed.
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