Curious about bringing stunning chrysanthemums into your garden, Lykkers? Known for their vibrant colors and diverse blooms, chrysanthemums are a favorite for adding bursts of beauty throughout the seasons.

Here’s how to grow, care for, and enjoy them year-round!

1. Selecting the Right Type of Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes, from delicate daisy-like varieties to large, showy pompons and exotic spider mums, each adding unique beauty to your garden. When choosing chrysanthemums, consider your local climate and whether you want hardy garden mums, which are suited for outdoor spaces, or florist mums, which are typically grown as annuals and provide bursts of seasonal color indoors.

2. Planting Your Chrysanthemums

Plant chrysanthemums in well-drained soil and position them where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Plant them in early spring or early fall, allowing their roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in. Be sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow room for growth and to ensure good airflow, which helps prevent common plant diseases.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Chrysanthemums thrive in moist soil, but it’s essential to avoid waterlogging, which can harm their roots and lead to disease. Water them consistently, especially during dry periods, and focus on watering at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can invite fungal issues. For lush growth and abundant blooms, fertilize mums with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout their active growing season.

4. Pruning and Pinching for Fullness

To encourage a fuller, bushier plant with more flowers, pinch back the stems of your chrysanthemums in early summer by about one inch. This practice encourages branching and will result in a more compact plant with more abundant blooms come fall. Continue pinching the stems until midsummer to delay flowering and extend your mums’ blooming season, ensuring your garden is vibrant deep into autumn.

5. Managing Pests and Diseases

Chrysanthemums are relatively resilient but can be vulnerable to common garden pests like aphids and spider mites, which can damage the plant and reduce blooms. Regularly inspect your mums and use a mild insecticidal soap if necessary to keep pests at bay. To prevent diseases like mildew and root rot, plant your chrysanthemums with enough space for airflow and avoid watering the leaves to keep them healthy and vibrant.

6. Preparing for Winter

In colder regions, garden mums can survive the winter with proper preparation and care. After the first frost, cut the stems down to just a few inches and add a thick layer of mulch around the base of each plant for insulation. For chrysanthemums in containers, consider moving them indoors to a cool but protected area, where they can rest through the winter before returning outdoors in spring.

With these growing and care tips, you can enjoy a stunning display of chrysanthemums year-round. From the garden to the living room, mums bring beauty and versatility wherever they bloom!