Are chrysanthemums perennials?

Yes. All chrysanthemums are perennials in horticultural zone 5 – 9, (perennials being plants that can live – and rebloom – for more than 2 years). However, the best blooms come from chrysanthemums that were freshly planted in the spring.

How do I know what zone I am in?

Check the website:https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

How much light do chrysanthemums need?

Chrysanthemums prefer full sun for a minimum of 6 hours daily during their growth phase. If your area gets less than 6 hrs of full sun, then it might trigger early flowering. If you live in an extremely hot area, some light shading could be beneficial in the afternoon.

How much water do chrysanthemums need?

Growing chrysanthemums is like growing tomatoes in this area – lots of sunlight and do not overwater. Chrysanthemums prefer good drainage and do not like extreme moisture. If you are growing in pots, water when the top 2″ of soil is dry. If you are growing in the ground, water about 3 times a week. In hot weather, you might have to water daily. 

Do I need to trim my chrysanthemums?

During the growth phase, chrysanthemums are trimmed for the purpose of shaping the plant and to encourage the type of blooms you want. This is mostly for growing show mums and/or cut flowers for arrangements. If you want to learn more about how to trim mums for showing, join ODCS to learn techniques from experienced growers. If you’re not growing for exhibition shows, you can absolutely just your chrysanthemums do their own own thing!

Whether you’re growing your mums in pots or in the ground, during winter time cut the plant down to ~6″ tall to encourage new growth in spring.

Can I root my own chrysanthemums from new growth in the spring?

Absolutely. Pinch off the top couple of inches of new growth, dip it in a rooting medium, and plant it in moist (but not overly wet) planting soil. Place the cutting in a warm area, shelter it from too much light, and mist it frequently. After a couple of weeks it will root and it can them be transplanted to a larger plot or the ground.

What kind of fertilizer do chrysanthemums need?

A balanced fertilizer that promotes strong plant and root growth, like 20-20-20, works well in our area. ODCS provides members with the opportunity to purchase a range of specialty fertilizers at a discount for those interested in growing exhibition-style mums.

Will my chrysanthemums winter over in this area?

Winters can be hard on chrysanthemums. The greatest enemy is rising and then falling temperatures that can kill the roots. If you grow your mums in pots, shelter them from the wind and especially the rain (so the roots don’t stay wet and rot). Under the deck or in a cool garage will protect them. If you grow in the ground, mulch your plants heavily to protect the roots from fluctuating temperatures. Garden mums generally are very hardy during our winters.

What are the sizes of plants in your plant sales?

Most of our plants are sold as rooted cuttings in 10 oz cups or 2 pots (for garden mums). Since we are a non-profit, all the proceeds of our public sales go to supporting ODCS events and shows.

I missed your plant sale. Where else can I get the kind of mums you sell?

Unfortunately, we usually have just 2 public sales a year, in May. If you’re looking for a specific flower, you’ll have to wait for next year.are commercial growers of chrysanthemums . be sure to check whether they hip to the National Capital area that we live in.

(With appreciation to the Bay Area Chrysanthemum Society bayareamum.org from which these FAQs have been adapted.)