How to Grow Mum
Mum
Chrysanthemum morifolium
flowerMums are herbaceous perennials known for their vibrant, full blooms in autumn and their exceptional variety of flower forms and colors. They are among the most popular cut flowers and garden plants, valued for their long-lasting blooms and ability to provide color when many other plants are fading. Hardy and adaptable, mums can thrive in gardens across most of North America with proper care.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; tender perennial in zone 10
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Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and developing root system. Transplants are establishing in the garden.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Pinch back once 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeks (May through July in northern zones)Rapid leaf and stem development. Plant becomes bushy with multiple stems. Pinching encourages branching and fuller shape.
Pinch back tips every 2-3 weeks until mid-July (in Northern regions) to encourage bushier, more compact growth with more flower buds. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation & Flowering
4-6 weeksFlower buds appear as days shorten in late summer. Buds enlarge and bloom opens into full flowers in many forms (daisy, pompom, decorative, button, spider, etc.).
Stop pinching after mid-July. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus formula to support blooming. Maintain consistent watering.
Peak Bloom
2-6 weeks (typically September-November)Full, vibrant flowers at maximum color and form. Blooms may last 2-6 weeks depending on weather and variety.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water consistently. Protect from heavy frosts if temperatures drop below 32°F.
Senescence & Dormancy
November through March (variable by zone)Flowers fade and drop after frost. Foliage dies back. Plant enters dormancy.
Cut back dead stems to 3-4 inches after hard frost. In colder zones, mulch heavily (3-4 inches) to protect roots over winter. In milder zones, may require minimal mulch.
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity, spray leaves with water, use miticide if severe. Neem oil can help.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or release beneficial insects.
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Remove affected leaves, use reflective mulches, apply spinosad if infestation is heavy.
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Hand-pick early morning, use pheromone traps away from plants, or apply neem oil.
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Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, remove affected plants, sterilize soil.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Tea
CulinaryMum petals can be used as an edible garnish in salads and desserts, and are traditionally brewed into a caffeine-free tea in Asian cuisine. Chrysanthemum tea is believed to have calming and digestive properties. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalUsed in traditional Chinese medicine and herbal preparations to treat inflammation, fever, and eye strain. Contains antioxidants and compounds that may support respiratory health. [source]
Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdOne of the most popular commercial cut flowers worldwide, prized for longevity in the vase and wide range of colors and forms. Essential for fall bouquets and decorative arrangements. [source]
Dried Flowers & Crafts
CraftMums dry beautifully and retain their color well, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. Long-lasting when preserved properly. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeProvide late-season nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators when few other flowers are blooming in autumn. Important food source before winter dormancy. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning after dew dries but before full heat of day. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in water. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the water line. Blooms last 2-3 weeks in a vase with fresh water changed every few days. For garden display, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Plants can be treated as annuals or overwintered in the garden in zones 3-9 with proper mulching.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mums are the second most popular cut flower in the world after roses, and are the national flower of Japan, where they hold cultural significance and appear in the Imperial Seal.
- 🌱 The name 'chrysanthemum' comes from the Greek words 'chrysos' (gold) and 'anthemon' (flower). Ancient Chinese growers developed hundreds of varieties over centuries, and the flower was introduced to Japan in the 8th century.
- 🌱 Mums bloom in response to shortening days (photoperiodism), which is why they naturally flower in fall. Early-blooming garden mums are typically bred to bloom earlier by manipulating light exposure in greenhouses.
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