Chrysanthemums are so colorful and varied in form, and add a vibrant appeal to late summer beds and pots. They can be planted throughout the growing season as long as you give them time to establish themselves (about six weeks) before cold weather sets in. Chrysanthemums, also known as chrysanthemums, are available from garden centers. They are usually hardy perennials and can overwinter in our gardens. The varieties sold by florists are often not hardy and should be treated as annuals.
Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellow to orange and deep burgundy to shades of pink, magenta and white. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare the bed before planting by working well-composted manure or homemade compost into the soil at least 6 inches deep. Fertilizer can also be worked in to provide additional nutrients.
Give the new plants plenty of water to help them acclimate to their new location, and use an organic mulch such as bark mulch or wood chips to maintain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. To encourage side shoots and fuller plants, pinch off the growing tips when the chrysanthemum is about 6 inches tall.
As side shoots develop, continue pinching growing tips until early to mid-June or early July, depending on expected blooming season (early, mid, late summer). Then allow flower buds to develop. Remove spent flowers when they have faded to encourage and prolong blooming. When leaves die back at the end of the season, cut the plant down to the ground, remove debris and old mulch, and refill with fresh mulch. Hilling up mulch around the plant will protect it from frost heave in winter.
Space the plants at least 18 inches apart; chrysanthemums are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and good air circulation reduces the risk of disease. In case of powdery mildew or rust, which may affect the leaves, treat them by dusting them with ground sulfur or other products for this purpose (ask your garden center).
Chrysanthemum stunt and aster jaundice are viruses that can stunt and deform plants. Remove and dispose of affected plants. Do not throw diseased plant material into your compost pile. Keep tools clean and disinfected to prevent disease transmission.
Chrysanthemums spread through underground shoots, called stolons. Every two to three years, in the spring after the last frost, you should dig up and divide the plants. First, wash most of the soil from the roots to expose the young plants. Carefully separate these from the old plant and plant them in a new location in your garden.
Discard the old plant. It is best not to leave chrysanthemums in the same place for too many years, especially if older plants have suffered from diseases.
Bring a splash of color to your late summer garden with easy-care chrysanthemums!
Send gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
Send gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
