The pompons variety of Chrysanthemums is relatively small when compared to other mums as the bloom can grow from 1 to 4-inches in diameter with a globe shape having numerous small, curved petals creating the bloom in a variety of colors (image courtesy: gardenloversclub.com).
By: John Green- Certified Texas Expert Gardener, Orange, TX
The days of elevated humidity and sweltering high temperatures are numbered (this gardener is ready for cooler temps)! According to The Farmer’s Almanac, in just under one month autumn begins with the autumnal equinox beginning September 22, 2025 (at precisely 2:19 pm EDT) though ‘meteorological’ autumn arrives three weeks earlier, beginning tomorrow (September 1 st ).
Checking several 30-day weather forecasting tools, the weather predictions over the next two weeks show daytime high temperatures will remain well above 90F but then autumn will begin to ‘tiptoe’ into SETX…ever so slightly! Planning, preparation, and plant selection are the keys to successful gardening, so if you haven’t started, now is a good time to consider vegetable and ornamental planting as fall will be here soon.
Soon many retailers, markets, and garden centers will be displaying Chrysanthemums (aka Mums). Chrysanthemums come in a large variety of types. The National Chrysanthemum Society divides bloom forms into 13 classes ranging from single daisies to multi-petalled pompons, petite to giant blooms with many single color options that incudes orange, bronze, yellow, golden, lavender, pink, salmon, burgundy, red, white, cream, and green (the most difficult to find) but other color choices include bicolor & tricolor petals and gradient colors (which have blended petal colors). Chrysanthemums bloom during the autumn and spring when days are shorter, and they are referred to as ‘short-day’ plants meaning they don’t require sunlight for twelve hours or more to set bloom. Growers manipulate the amount of light Chrysanthemums receive each day and then ‘darken’ their greenhouses once the required amount of light is provided to the plants.
Fun Fact: Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China approximately 6 centuries ago and were later introduced to other locations by Buddhist monks who were traveling throughout Asia. Mums can be grown in containers (which is my personal preference) or transplanted into garden areas depending on your preference and landscaping needs. Chrysanthemums are not particular when it comes to soil type (though well-drained & pH neutral soil is best) but they will grow in most soil types, especially if the soil is structured and slightly sandy. Soil should be well drained and have a neutral pH level. Heavy clay soil will require soil amendments (compost, aged manure, mulch, or leaf mold) to increase structure to allow for better drainage.
Chrysanthemums do not require fertilization though adding small amounts of balanced fertilizer formulation such as 5-10-5 once during the season will help with the blooms. Mums grow best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for continuous blooming. Gardner’s should note that less than 5 hours sunlight will produce weaker stems and fewer blooms.
Mums’ shallow roots require more water than other plants, especially during periods of reduced rainfall. When planted in the ground, adding a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch will help to maintain consistent moisture level.
Chrysanthemums typically bloom for 4 to 8 weeks but this varies depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Other factors that can influence bloom duration include- purchasing mums with a few fully opened blooms (most bloom buds should be closed), sun exposure (full sunlight required), moisture consistency (not dry or waterlogged), regular ‘deadheading’ (removing spent flowers will encourage new bud growth), and cool weather (extends bloom time while elevated temperatures drastically reduce it). As blooms begin fading, it is always best to remove those blooms which encourages new growth and blooms. Mums can grow to a foot tall.
Once the blooming cycle is completed, cut the plant back 4 to 6-inches in height (for tidiness) to encourage new growth for the next season but this step is not necessary. Chrysanthemums can be propagated from cuttings, seeds or by dividing plants. Check to see if the variety purchased is patented, since patented plants require the permission of the grower to propagate. If growing from seed, start the seeds at least two months before the first frost. If taking a cutting, remove a stem which is 4 to 6-inches in length (using a sharp, sterilized pruner), then remove the bottom leaves, apply root hormone, and plant under a bright light until roots form. From my experience, it is much simpler to purchase new plants yearly due to pests, diseases, and SETX ever-changing environmental conditions (season to season).
Pests & Diseases
- Leaf Spots- is a disease occurring in warm, humid weather conditions (sound familiar)
which leaves small, brown spots on a leaf’s surface. - Botrytis- is a moldy fungus which appears when air circulation around the plants is poor
and thrives when plants are overcrowded. - Root Rot- a plant disease where the roots decay and die, often caused by overwatering
(specifically due to the reduced amount of available oxygen in the soi). Symptoms include
yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, and a disagreeable odor emitting from the soil which
often occurs when soil drainage is minimal. - Powdery Mildew- is a white fungus appearing on leaves when the weather is humid, and
the plants are not spaced properly. - Aphids- are tiny insects (born pregnant) that feed on the underside of the leaves. One of
the best ways to determine if aphids are present in the garden, is that the plants’ foliage
will have a ‘sticky’ residue on them (honey dew) which might attract ants to the plant. - Leafminers- are small insects which burrow beneath the leaf’s surface.
- Spider Mites- these tiny insects are only about the size of finely ground black pepper and
cause plant leaves to turn yellow. - Thrips- are pests which attack plant leaves which in turn discolor.
There are numerous other plants which can provide dramatic fall colors such as Crotons,
Ornamental Peppers, Ornamental Grasses, Marigolds, Snapdragons, Nasturtiums, Celosia,
Artemisia, Coleus, Purple Asters, Autumn Joy Stonecrop to name a few.
So long for now fellow gardeners! Let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener, more sustainable
world, one ‘Chrysanthemum’ at a time! Gardening questions answered:
jongreene57@gmail.com.
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