How to Grow Chrysanthemums in Pots | Growing Mums in Pots

Raul Cornelius is a Senior Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA and a BCom, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities. Passionate about writing and photography, he enjoys early mornings with coffee and books, and nature bike rides during weekends.
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Growing mums is quite easy if you know all the details! Here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Chrysanthemums in Pots!

How to Grow Chrysanthemums in Pots

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Mums are one of the most recognizable flowers in autumn and look best in balconies, patios, or anywhere you choose to show them! Let’s have a look at How to Grow Chrysanthemums in Pots!

Botanical Name: Chrysanthemums

Other Names: Anthemis grandiflorum, Anthemis stipulacea, Chrysanthemum indicum, sevanti, Chrysanthemum sinense, Chrysanthemum stipulaceum, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Crisantemo, Dendranthema grandiflorum, Dendranthema morifolium, Fleur d’Or, Florist’s Chrysanthemum, Flos Chrysantemi, Ju Hua, Matricaria morifolia, Mum, Yao Jiu Ha, Ye Ju Hua.

Check out our article on growing Marigolds in Pots here


Chrysanthemums Species and Varieties

Chrysanthemum belongs to the aster family and has about 50 species. It is native to East Asia and comes in countless colors, shapes, and sizes—from tiny spheroids to starry and stately, giant single flowers. They are the most famous flowers after roses!

The most popular variety is Chrysanthemum x Grandiflorum. This includes the hardy chrysanthemums that are frost-resistant or partially resistant to frost. These varieties are suitable for cultivation on the ground.


Why Chrysanthemums Bloom in Fall?

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Chrysanthemums are short-day plants. In autumn, days become shorter and shorter, resulting in a change in light. The flowers shift away from vegetative growth to generative and start to bloom.


How to Grow Chrysanthemums in Pots

Growing mums is easy as they’re undemanding for soil conditions and low maintenance and suitable even for novice gardeners.

Location

These flowers would do best in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours. If you are growing mums indoors, choose an east or south-facing window. Remember, the more sunlight the plant gets, the better it will be for its growth and blooms.

Soil

The potting soil must be well-draining, loamy, and airy. Additionally, you can add 1/3 of compost and other organic matter to the growing medium while planting. After planting, water generously for 1-2 weeks, so the plants will establish well.

Watering

As chrysanthemums have a shallow root system, regular watering is recommended. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Also, avoid overwatering the plant at all costs.


Taking Care of Chrysanthemums in Pots

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Fertilizer

Apply 12-6-6 slow-release fertilizer during the beginning of the growing season. Alternatively, you can also use a balanced liquid fertilizer according to the product’s instructions once in a couple of weeks.

Pests and Diseases

Pests like leaf and stem miners, chrysanthemum eelworm, aphids, caterpillars, and worms affect the mums. Diseases like gray mold, powdery mildew, and root rot infect it.

Spacing

Though you might be tempted to keep many pots together to display the flowers, it would be wise not to do the same. Maintaining a good gap between plants is essential for plants’ health.

Keep a minimum of 1-2 feet of space between pots to maintain proper airflow between them. Maintain the same while growing them in the garden.

Proper air circulation will ensure that there are minimum chances of pests and suffer diseases.

Pinching and Pruning

It is more important to keep the mums pinched than pruned throughout their growing season. This will help the plant to have a bushy and fuller appearance while making it bloom profusely.

When the plant attains a height of 6-8 inches, make sure to pinch off each shoot by an inch. Repeat the process every 2 to 3 weeks. Also, do not forget to deadhead spent blooms as it will prolong the flowering time.

Allow the plant to die back naturally in winter as it will help it to come back strongly.


Additional Tips for Growing Mums in Pots

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  • Carefully remove the faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Prune dead branches and discolored leaves.
  • Pinch plant when it’s young to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Growing Chrysanthemums in Balcony

shutterstock/COULANGES

Growing Chrysanthemums in pots in a balcony will add a burst of vivid colors to the space. You can grow these flowers on railing planters and can also hang them on a tall shelf.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi
    Gorgeous info
    I bought my chrysanthemum 25cm tall in 12 cm nursery and wish to know final best pot size for it while not doing repot thereafter

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