The summer’s heat has been a burden on many chrysanthemums. Master Gardener Linda Billingslea advises gardeners to keep mums cut close to the ground until midsummer. “At that point, I allow them to grow sturdy, healthy stems and leaves.”
If you’ve already let them start growing, keep doing so and follow these five tips Billingslea offers to ensure beautiful mums this autumn.
five tips
1 If plants are planted in full sunlight, water as needed to make sure they don’t dry out.
2 Do not overwater your chrysanthemums, as plants will rot.
3 Chrysanthemums need feeding two to three times during growing season and a low-nitrogen fertilizer, which can be purchased at your local nursery. Start about three weeks before they bloom in October or November. Organic matter (compost) is a good source of plant food for the plant. Add compost especially to this part of your garden.
4 If the plants are tall, stake them to keep them upright.
5 All plants need mulch. Be sure to freshen them up with a repeat applications.