Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are the most popular plants sold between the months of August and November.

The chrysanthemum was first introduced into the United States during colonial times. Three hundred years later, its popularity has grown such, that mums now reign as undisputed "Queen of the Fall Flowers.

For many of us in the South, our introduction to the chrysanthemum was a corsage at Homecoming football games.

Follow these steps to increase the chances that your potted mums will survive the winter:

1. Water mums daily while they're blooming. The potted mums you buy in the fall dry out quickly since they are usually top heavy with bloom and have a relatively small amount of roots. Keeping the soil moist will help plants stay healthy until you are ready to plant them.

2. Get mums out of their pots and into the ground soon after purchase. This gives the roots the maximum amount of time to become established before a hard freeze. If you prefer to display mums in the pots they came in, plant them promptly once their flower display is done.

3. Don’t cut back the foliage of mums in the fall. The above-ground growth offers the plant an extra layer of winter protection. It also serves as a good reminder in the spring to search for any healthy new root growth under the ground. If you feel you must trim off something, remove the spent flowers only, but leave the rest of the plant alone.

4. Provide mums with a generous layer of a light mulch as soon as the ground freezes. Mounding pine needles, straw or evergreens around the plant will help prevent the roots from heaving out of the ground during repeated freeze/thaw cycles. If using leaves, be sure they are shredded so they won't form a soggy mat over the plant.

5. Try to create a microclimate in which the plants will be protected from winter winds. A location on the south side of a building or other sheltered spot is ideal. You can also protect potted mums by planting them in a cold frame.

6. Continue watering mums even after their blooms have faded to encourage new root growth. Keep in mind however, that mums demand good drainage. They will not survive the winter if planted in soggy soil.

Source: Internet