For most people, the end of October means one thing: it's time to break out the Christmas decorations. But for those who love fall, the true sign that winter is on its way is when your mums start to go dormant. Although they're beautiful while they last, sometimes they just don't quite make it to Thanksgiving. Here are a few tips to help your mums last as long as possible. Keep reading for more info!
What Are Chrysanthemums
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Chrysanthemums are part of the Asteraceae family and belong to the Chrysanthemum genus. They are beautiful flowers that are known for their bright, vibrant colors. In fact, the name “chrysanthemum” comes from the ancient Greek words meaning “gold flower.” These plants come in a wide range of colors, including gold (of course!), yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and white. Mums can also be found in various shades of each color (e.g., deep red or light pink).
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world. First cultivated in the 15th century BC, there are more than 20,000 different cultivars and nearly 7,000 in China alone, it's no surprise that chrysanthemums are so widely cultivated. They have been used for centuries to create beautiful gardens and floral arrangements, and new varieties continue to be developed each year through traditional hybridization techniques.
Increase the Longevity of Your Mums
At first, it may seem like a daunting task to make your mums extra happy. After all, they only bloom for a few short weeks. However, with a little bit of care and attention, you can keep those beautiful flowers longer! Here are some tips on how to make your mums last longer so you can enjoy them year after year!
Choosing The Right Variety
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To start, it's important to choose the right type of mums for your garden. Choosing a variety that has strong stems and large blooms is a great way to ensure that your mums will look amazing for weeks after planting them. Hardy perennial choices include mammoth, weyrich, and arctic chrysanthemums.
Additionally, make sure that your climate is hospitable for the variety of chrysanthemums you have chosen. They're hardy in zones 4 through 9, while some can even survive in zone 3.
Choosing The Right Spot
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Surprisingly, cooler spots will improve the longevity of your mums better then warm, full sun spots. So, when they start to develop flower buds, simply move them to a partially shaded border area where they will reach their full potential. Although mums usually prefer full to partial shade, the blooms last longer in cool areas.
With their shallow roots, these plants are incredibly easy to dig up and move to new locations. If you have no choice but to relocate them, it won’t be as hard as you may think!
Planting Them Right Away
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Hardy mums are one of the most popular flowers to plant in your garden. They're tough and resilient, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking for a flower that will last a while. However, many people have trouble getting their hardy mums to last as long as possible.
If you want to make your hardy mums last longer and bloom for a longer period of time, get them in the ground in early spring or early fall. The earlier you can get them into the ground, the better. This will give them more time to set up a solid root system before winter sets in.
If you are planning to start your mums indoor, the seeds should be planted and comfortable in their new home 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
Watering And Feeding
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Another key tip is to consistently water your mums and feed them monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). This will help keep your flowers looking lush and healthy throughout the season, ensuring that you get many weeks of enjoyment from their beautiful blooms.
Deadheading
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Make sure that you deadhead your mums as soon as they begin to fade. This will encourage new buds to form and keep your mums flowering for longer.
To deadhead your mums, pinch off any dead flowers using your fingers or pruning shears. Cut the flowers above the next set of leaves on the stem so that no material is cut off from the plant itself. If you see any dead leaves on your mums, make sure to remove them as well. This will help your mums to look neater and stay healthy for longer.
If done correctly, your blooms could last up to two months.
Mums The Word!
No one wants their mums to die prematurely, so make sure to read these tips and follow them! By doing so, you'll be able to enjoy your mums' beauty for as long as possible.
Have you ever had a mum die on you before? Share your story in the comments below. And don't forget to share this article with your friends and family – they'll want to know how to keep their mums alive too!