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Chrysanthemum

Cut Flower Care Guide

Chrysanthemums are fall's premier cut flower, offering blooms when most other flowers have finished. Disbud mums produce one spectacular large bloom per stem, while spray types give multiple smaller flowers. They are photoperiod-sensitive — naturally blooming as days shorten — making them essential for extending the cut flower season into October and November.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant Spring — transplant rooted cuttings or divisions after last frost. Start from cuttings taken in spring from overwintered stock plants.
Planting Depth Transplant at the same depth as growing in pots; don't bury the crown
Spacing 12–18 inches between plants for spray types; 6–8 inches for disbud types on netting
Soil Rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Heavy feeders that appreciate compost-rich soil.
Sunlight Full sun. Mums need short days (less than 12 hours) to initiate buds.

💡 Tips

  • Buy rooted cuttings from specialty suppliers for the best cut flower varieties
  • Pinch repeatedly through July 4th (in zones 5–7) for bushy, multi-stemmed plants
  • Stop pinching after July 4th to allow fall bud set
  • Support netting is essential for straight stems
  • Disbud types: remove all side buds for one large terminal bloom

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order rooted cuttings from specialty suppliers. Plan planting schedule.

Feb

Review variety selection. Prepare propagation area for stock plants.

Mar

Take cuttings from overwintered stock plants. Root under mist or in high humidity.

Apr

Continue propagation. Prepare outdoor beds with compost.

May

Transplant rooted cuttings outdoors after last frost. Install netting. Begin pinching.

Jun

Continue pinching every 2 weeks. Water and feed heavily. Scout for pests.

Jul

Final pinch around July 4th. Switch to bloom fertilizer. Continue heavy watering.

Aug

Buds forming as days shorten. Disbud if growing single-stem types. Keep feeding.

Sep

Buds coloring. Reduce feeding. Prepare for harvest.

Oct

HARVEST MONTH. Peak chrysanthemum season. Cut daily as blooms open.

Nov

Continue harvesting until hard freeze. Cut back spent plants. Apply winter mulch.

Dec

Ensure winter protection. Take stock of variety performance. Order for next year.