Written by Harpreet Ahluwalia
Chrysanthemums, or "mums," are popular perennials. They offer a wide variety of flower colors, from white and cream to dark maroon and burgundy, as well as numerous growth habits from small dwarf plants to giant shrub-like Maxi-Mums. Mums are easy to grow and can provide years of enjoyment if care is taken to select an appropriate variety; plant in a sunny, well drained, location; and provide protection.
Plant chrysanthemums cuttings in August, Small plants derived from rooted cuttings, divisions, or rooted suckers of old plants can be used. Larger container plants purchased from garden centers may be planted anytime.
Garden chrysanthemums grow best in a variety of soils but must have excellent drainage conditions. Growth is poor and kill likely in poorly drained wet soils. Sunny locations are good sites. Plants in semi shady locations will be taller, have weaker stems, and bloom later in winter.
Mums maintain a bushy compact plant form if pinched or pruned regularly. Although newer cultivars do not require pinching, the traditional method has been to pinch out the tip to induce branching and produce stockier plants. Repeat pinching on side branches when they have grown 6".
Continue pinching until end October and then let the bud evolve for flowering in end November or early December.
Several diseases and insects attack mums. Prevention of many of them can be done by following these recommendations:
- Buy plants that are free of diseases and insects.
- Plant in a sunny location.
- Allow plenty of air circulation by avoiding over crowding.
- Keep your garden free of weeds and disease-infested plants.
Typical problems on mums include wilt, leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids, leafhoppers, plant bugs, leaf miners, and spider mites. Before using a pesticide, diagnose problems carefully and correctly.
Lack of flowering is occasionally a problem with mums. Possible causes include wrong cultivar selection; insufficient sun, fertilizer, or water; late pinching; root competition from nearby trees and shrubs; unusually hot weather. (especially nights) in August, and insect, or disease injury.
Summarizing
Good blooming is a mix of right composition, right watering, right feeding and right hygiene.
Harpreet Ahluwalia is CEO of Earthly Creations
www. earthlycreations.in
A Noida Uttar Pradesh based entrepreneur,
She writes on different topics
