Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Chrysanthemums: Tips from Copper Creek Garden Center
Looking to add vibrant fall colors to your garden or porch? Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are the perfect choice to symbolize the harvest season. These hardy perennials are renowned for their warm hues and long-lasting blooms, making them a fall favorite. To help your mums thrive all season and survive into spring, our garden experts at Copper Creek Garden Center in Nisswa have put together essential tips on choosing the best varieties and caring for your chrysanthemums.
Choosing the Best Chrysanthemum Varieties for Minnesota's Climate
Selecting the right chrysanthemums for Minnesota's colder climate is key to ensuring winter survival and vibrant blooms. Here are some of the hardiest and most beautiful varieties perfect for your garden:
Mammoth™ Series: Developed at the University of Minnesota, these mums are bred specifically for cold weather. Varieties like Mammoth™ Daisy Coral, Mammoth™ Daisy Red, and Mammoth™ Yellow Quill are hardy to USDA Zone 3 and are known for their large, showy mounds.
Minnesota Mum Series: Designed for extreme cold, these mums like Minngopher, Minnqueen, and Minnruby offer consistent blooms and winter resilience, with vibrant colors from yellow to ruby-red.
Igloo Series: While rated for zones 5-9, with extra winter protection, varieties like Frosty Igloo and Fireworks Igloo can also thrive in Minnesota (Zone 4).
Clara Curtis: One of the hardiest options for cold regions, this mum features pink, daisy-like flowers and a long bloom period.
Sheffield Pink: With soft pastel pink blooms and yellow centers, this fragrant variety is hardy to Zone 4, perfect for late fall color.
Autumn Fire: Known for its compact and dense growth, this variety offers dark red, daisy-like flowers and excellent cold hardiness.
Centerpiece Series: Featuring vibrant colors like orange, red, and yellow, these late-blooming mums add a burst of color after most plants have stopped flowering. They are winter hardy to Zone 4.
Essential Care Tips for Chrysanthemums
To keep your mums flourishing, it’s important to provide proper care, especially in Minnesota’s harsh winters. Here are some key care tips:
Planting Time: For the best results, plant mums in the spring to allow roots to establish before winter. If planting in the fall, do so early (August or early September) to give roots time to grow before the frost.
Sunlight: Mums thrive in full sunlight. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize blooms.
Soil and Drainage: Plant mums in well-draining soil with a pH around 6.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases. Water at the base to keep foliage dry.
Mulching: Apply mulch around your mums to retain moisture and protect roots, particularly as winter approaches.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer. Avoid late-season fertilization, as it can lead to tender growth vulnerable to frost.
Pinching and Pruning: Pinch back stems in spring through early July to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Winter Protection: After the first frost, cut back dead stems to about 3 inches above ground and apply a thick layer of mulch (such as straw or leaves) after the ground freezes to insulate the roots.
Dividing: Divide your mums every 2-3 years in the spring to maintain vigorous growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if needed. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and other fungal issues.
Shop Chrysanthemums at Copper Creek Garden Center
At Copper Creek Garden Center, we offer a wide variety of chrysanthemums in stunning colors and sizes to enhance your fall decor. Whether you're looking for bold reds, soft pinks, or classic yellows, our selection has something for every garden. Visit us and ask our experts which varieties are best suited for your location and needs. Deck out your porch or garden with these beautiful blooms and enjoy the vibrant colors of the season. Happy planting!