How to Grow Autumn Mum Dark Red

Autumn Mum Dark Red

Chrysanthemum morifolium

flower

Autumn Mum Dark Red is a chrysanthemum cultivar prized for its deep burgundy to dark red blooms that appear in fall. These hardy perennials produce full, rounded flower heads and are popular for autumn gardens, containers, and cut flowers. They typically grow 1-3 feet tall depending on variety and growing conditions.

Looking for a specific variety?

Dark Red Ruby Red Burgundy Crimson Glory Deep Red Scarlet

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best blooms

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base in early morning. Reduce watering after blooming begins. Drought-tolerant once established.

📏

Spacing: 18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 70-90 days from transplant to bloom

🌱

Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil line; seeds indoors 1/16 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Hardy in zones 3-10; thrives best in zones 5-9

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny green sprouts emerge with first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days

Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 65-70°F temperature

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and serrated green leaves; no buds yet

Pinch back tips every 2-3 weeks until late July to encourage bushier growth and more flowers; water regularly; fertilize every 2 weeks

Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Small flower buds appear at stem tips as days shorten in late summer; buds remain tight and green

Stop pinching back plants; reduce nitrogen fertilizer; continue consistent watering; support tall varieties with stakes

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Dark red double or semi-double blooms open progressively over several weeks in fall; flowers mature from tight centers to full blooms

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming; reduce watering slightly; protect from frost with row covers if needed; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer

Dormancy

3-4 months

After frost, foliage dies back; plant goes dormant underground over winter

Cut back stems to 3-4 inches after frost; add 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in cold zones; reduce watering significantly

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Asters Russian sage Black-eyed Susan Sedum Ornamental grasses Coneflowers Salvia Joe-Pye weed

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Tomatoes Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; ensure good air circulation
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
and
Apply neem oil or horticultural oil; yellow sticky traps for monitoring
Improve air circulation; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; water at soil level only
Remove affected leaves; use insecticidal soap; spinosad spray for severe infestations

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Chrysanthemum petals are edible and used in Asian cuisine, particularly in teas and as garnishes. The flowers have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and are believed to have cooling properties in traditional medicine. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine & Wellness

Medicinal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemums are used to reduce inflammation, improve eye health, and support respiratory function. Chrysanthemum tea is commonly prepared as a cooling beverage. [source]

🏠

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Autumn mums are among the most popular cut flowers, valued for their long vase life (10-14 days), vibrant colors, and full blooms. They're used extensively in fall floral arrangements, bouquets, and garden displays. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Mums provide late-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators preparing for winter. The flowers are an important food source when many other plants have finished blooming. [source]

🎨

Dried Flowers & Pressed Flowers

Craft

Dark red mum blooms dry beautifully and hold their color well, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. Air-dry by hanging upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers when blooms are fully open or just opening for longest vase life (10-14 days). Cut in early morning when stems are hydrated. Remove lower leaves below waterline. For perennial blooms next year, allow some flowers to remain on plant for seed production or cut back after first frost. Divide plants every 2-3 years in spring for renewal.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan, where they have been cultivated for over 2,500 years. In Japanese culture, different colored mums carry different meanings—red symbolizes love and deep emotion.
🌱 Mums contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels many garden pests. This property has made them valuable in organic gardening and even in some commercial pesticide formulations.
🌱 Autumn mums' blooming is triggered by decreasing day length rather than temperature. When days fall below 10-12 hours, buds form naturally, which is why they reliably flower in fall regardless of geographic location.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free