The flowering plant called the mum, also known as the chrysanthemum, has two distinct categories. One is the florist's mum, meant solely to be a flowering houseplant, and the other is the gardener's mum or garden mum, meant for gardens as the name suggests. Each requires its own sequence of care.
Florist's Mum
Step 1
Inspect the plant for insects or obvious disease--you don't want to bring in a diseased plant that could transfer pests or fungi to your other houseplants.
Step 2
Place the pot of flowers in a sunny but cool spot. Dr. B.C. Wolverton writes in the book "How to Grow Fresh Air" that florist's mums can take direct sunlight as long as it isn't during midday. Ideal temperatures are in the low 60s during the day to the upper 40s at night.
Step 3
Experiment with fertilizer. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System says fertilizer isn't necessary, but Wolverton suggests weekly doses of a "complete" fertilizer.
Step 4
Water the flowers if the soil looks dry. Try to keep the soil damp but not soggy. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommends watering until some water starts to drain out of the pot. Ensure the flowers have good drainage.
Step 5
Throw the plant away once all the blooms have died. This happens generally within two months of getting the plant.
Garden Mum
Step 1
Plant the mums in a sunny and well-draining spot; the University of Minnesota Extension says partial shade delays blooming. Plant them once you're sure the frost and freeze season is over. Give them room--at least 1-1/2 feet apart. Purdue University recommends working a little complete fertilizer into the soil before planting. The Bexar County Extension website says to keep them at the same level relative to the soil surface that they were in their original containers and to water them after planting
Step 2
Pinch off the tips of the stems to control early growth. The pinching schedule varies by area, so contact your county's extension department for an exact time frame. For example, Purdue University in Indiana says to pinch once the plant grows to 6 inches tall, and again when the branches that have regrown reach between 6 inches and 8 inches. Bexar County Extension in Texas, however, recommends the first pinch at 3 to 4 inches, leaving a couple of leaves on the stems, and then monthly pinching through July.
Step 3
Fertilize the mums with complete fertilizers and water in. Again, advice varies by region, with Purdue recommending only two applications, the pre-planting and then one in midsummer, and Bexar County recommending monthly applications until flower buds become visible.
Step 4
Water the mums and get the top 6 inches or so of soil wet once you see the soil drying out, but do not water frequently. Purdue says this can affect root development and lead to fungal infections.
Step 5
Monitor for weeds and remove as necessary.
Step 6
Treat the flowers as needed for pests and mildew. Bexar County Extension says aphids and mites are the biggest issues.
Step 7
Add between 4 and 6 inches of mulch once the winter freeze season begins. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends mulches such as leaves and straw.
Tips and Warnings
- The florist's mum has a reputation as an efficient indoor air cleaner. Wolverton notes in his book that the florist's mum "is one of the best flowering or seasonal plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia from the atmosphere." Better Homes and Gardens notes that while you can try planting a florist's mum outside, chances are it will die in cold weather.
- While certain species of chrysanthemums are considered edible--the petals can be used to make teas or salads--the flowers you have might have been treated with pesticides at some point and rendered inedible. Do not eat mums unless you know without a doubt they have been grown organically and specifically for consumption.
Things You'll Need
- Flower fertilizer
