The English method for growing “plunge-pit” mums combines the advantages of both outdoor growing and greenhouse culture. I have grown prize mums with this system, with certain modifications, for all varieties which bloom in November and December. Chrysanthemums For Exhibition English gardeners who have greenhouses grow chrysanthemums for an exhibition using a 9- to 10- … Read more
The amateur gardener should try growing potted chrysanthemums outdoors during the summer. The process is simple, and the results are gratifying, even with minimal care. Besides, there are several advantages to having chrysanthemums in pots. Advantages Of Potted Chrysanthemums They make lovely gifts when they are in bloom in the fall. I even know a … Read more
If you want an interesting and exciting experience in seed sowing, try hybrid chrysanthemum seeds. While looking through a chrysanthemum catalog in February 1958, I found mum seeds from Japan. The description indicated that if they were planted by May, they would bloom the following fall. They were advertised as a mixture of large exhibitions, … Read more
It’s high time for gardeners who still think of chrysanthemums as fall flowers to become acquainted with the newer varieties, which extend the season from as early as July until killing frosts. The early English chrysanthemums will bloom early enough not to be damaged by fall rains and wind. They bring to your garden the … Read more
If you like to color in the home greenhouse during the fall months, chrysanthemums are unsurpassed with their wide range of colors and forms. In the garden, they provide the last big splash of bloom before frost time, and in the greenhouse, other more tender kinds carry on with a display that is more riotous … Read more
In most of our areas, hard frosts have come by mid-November. Mild weather sometimes holds until Thanksgiving, leaving some hardier annuals such as snapdragons, stocks, sweet alyssum, lobelia, verbena, and petunias still in bloom if they have been protected. Garden mums and roses can be expected to supply great colors right up to a general … Read more
Eventually, we may have many varieties of gardens, often called hardy, chrysanthemums which are reliably hardy everywhere. At present, I know of no cut-flower variety, such as Lavender Lady, Red Riding Hood, Allegro, and the various spoons, that can be depended upon to survive our winters without protection. Three varieties that have lived through several … Read more
Do you toss out potted chrysanthemums after they have finished flowering? If you do, you are throwing away a potential mum’s garden, for every plant will yield many cuttings for next spring’s planting. This past summer we enjoyed a lovely pink patch of 24 mums all derived from one Thanksgiving gift plant! Greenhouse gardeners usually … Read more
Recently, a homeowner shared to me: “I don’t care for chrysanthemums.” Then, almost as though speaking to herself she added: “They just won’t grow for me.” As she looked at a varicolored array of potted mums which decorated the room, there was an expression that revealed she did like them and that she would enjoy … Read more
Although a few experienced gardeners will deny that the best cultural code for hardy chrysanthemums says to start them in the spring, right where you want them to flower, there is no turning back the popular trend toward fall planting of blooming specimens. This trend was made possible to an increasing degree by improved varieties, … Read more