The chrysanthemum, commonly known as the mum, is the defining flower of autumn, providing a dense burst of color when many other garden plants are fading. Shoppers often face a dilemma: should they purchase a plant already covered in open, vibrant blooms, or one with mostly tight, unopened buds? This choice involves trading instant aesthetic gratification for a prolonged display, a decision driven by the plant’s natural bloom cycle. This article examines the factors that determine a mum’s longevity after it leaves the nursery.
Immediate Visual Impact Versus Display Duration
Selecting a chrysanthemum in full bloom offers immediate, intense color, perfect for a single weekend display. These fully flowered plants are often greenhouse-grown and forced to bloom early, meaning their biological clock is already well into its cycle. Fully open flowers have a shortened shelf life because the plant’s energy has already been expended. Once the petals begin to brown, the display is over, typically lasting only a week or two at home.
Choosing a mum with tight, closed buds that show only a hint of color ensures a much longer period of enjoyment. The chrysanthemum is a short-day plant, meaning its flowering is triggered by the lengthening of the night period. Growers often artificially control this process using shade cloth to simulate shorter days. When a plant is purchased mostly in bud, the bloom cycle has not yet reached its peak. For maximum longevity, select a plant where at least 50 to 75% of the buds are still firmly closed. These buds will gradually open over the following weeks, providing a continuous display that can last for a month or more.
Assessing Plant Health Beyond the Flowers
The structural health of the plant is equally important for a sustained bloom. Begin by examining the foliage, which should be a vibrant, uniform green color. Avoid yellowing, brown spots, or signs of powdery mildew, as discolored or droopy leaves indicate disease or stress from inconsistent watering. Inspect the stems for sturdiness, looking for a bushy, symmetrical growth habit that suggests the plant was properly pinched during development. Avoid plants with broken or crushed stems, as buds on these branches will likely fail to open.
The most telling sign of a plant’s future health lies in its roots, which can be checked by gently tipping the plant out of its plastic pot. A healthy root ball should be pale, firm, and hold the soil together. Avoid root balls that are so dense that the roots are tightly circling the container. A brown, mushy, or matted root ball indicates a root-bound condition. This condition severely limits the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, making it susceptible to rapid decline.
Post-Purchase Care for Maximizing Bloom Time
Specific cultural practices are necessary to prolong the mum’s decorative life once it is brought home. Correct placement is primary; chrysanthemums need bright light and generally thrive receiving six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, can scorch the petals and cause flowers to fade prematurely. Providing some midday shade helps preserve the flower color and structure. Watering is a frequent necessity, as these plants are particularly thirsty.
The soil must be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. Check the soil surface daily and water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Allowing the plant to completely dry out, even once, causes significant stress that shortens the bloom period.
Removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to channel its energy into opening the remaining buds. This action prevents the plant from setting seed, which is its natural reproductive priority. By clipping off faded blooms, the plant focuses on developing the next round of flowers, effectively extending the overall display. Seasonal mums purchased for a temporary autumn show generally do not require supplemental fertilizer.