Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum Morifolium
Common Name: Mums, Gul-E-Daudi
How to Plant & Care for Mums (Gul-E-Daudi)
When to Plant: Mums should be planted in early spring if you’re growing them as perennials, or at least 6 weeks before a killing frost in fall. Planting in spring gives them the best chance of surviving the following winter. If you’re using them for a pop of fall color, plant them when they’re blooming in late summer or early fall.
Watering: Due to their shallow root system, Mums require frequent watering, especially in high heat. A layer of mulch in the summer will help conserve water and keep the soil moist and cool.
Pruning: Pinch approximately 1 inch from the branch tips two to three times during the growing season to encourage branching and create a sturdier plant. Early bloomers that bloom in mid-September should be pinched no later than mid-June. October bloomers can be pinched up until mid-July, with the rule of thumb being not to pinch any closer than 3 months to bloom time.
Propagation: When grown as perennials, Mums can be divided every two to three years in the spring. Dig up the plant when new growth begins to appear, discard the dying center, and re-plant the new shoots on the outside of the plant. They can also be grown from cuttings taken in the spring. Cut just below a leaf node and root in sterile potting soil. The new plants should be watered daily and kept in a sunny windowsill until established.
Fertilizer: Mums are not big feeders, so it’s best to apply a dilute fertilizer several times before bud set. A 5-10-5 fertilizer formulation will have the greatest effect on flower production and overall growth.
Diseases and Pests: Mums can be affected by diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and viral diseases like mosaic or stunt. Avoid overcrowding and overly shady locations that cause moisture to remain on the leaves and provide a habitat for diseases. Pests can include aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers, plant bugs, and spider mites.