Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' (5b)

Water

Mums require consistent moisture, so water Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They typically need to be watered once a week, but during hot, dry periods, this may increase to twice a week. Deep, thorough watering is preferable to frequent, shallow watering. Aim to provide about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session to ensure the soil is moistened adequately. To avoid disease, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry.

Light

Mums thrive in full sunlight, so Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. An ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden that stays bright throughout most of the day. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and leggy growth.

Temperature

Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' performs best in cool to moderate temperatures and can handle minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mums can survive temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although prolonged heat can be stressful for the plant.

Pruning

Pruning mums is essential to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' should be pinched back in the early summer when shoots are 6-8 inches tall, by removing the tip to encourage side branching. Repeat the process every two to four weeks until mid-July for a fuller plant with more flowers. The best time for pruning is late spring through midsummer before flower buds form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mums thrive best in a well-draining soil mixture with good organic matter content. A combination of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts works well to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Chrysanthemums, including 'Cassandra,' is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have enough room to grow and to replenish the nutrients in their soil. When repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to give roots space to spread.

Humidity & Misting

Mums prefer moderate environmental humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%. Maintaining this humidity range helps encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms in Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra'.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Mums in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant Mums in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra', or hardy garden mum, begins its life as a seed, which germinates when the soil temperature and moisture conditions are favorable, typically in spring. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows into a vegetative state where it develops a rosette of leaves and a strong root system during late spring to early summer. As summer progresses, the plant enters the budding stage, where flower buds form as daylight hours start to decrease, leading to full blooming in late summer to fall when the plant displays its vibrant flowers. After flowering, in response to shorter days and cooler temperatures, the mum enters a period of dormancy throughout the winter months. In the spring, it may re-emerge from the same root system if it was well-protected and in a suitable climate (USDA zone 5b is at the colder end of its hardiness range). This perennial cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy repeats annually, with proper care and favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum 'Cassandra' is through division. This process typically takes place in the spring as the plant begins to emerge and is still compact. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Once excavated, the clumps can be gently separated by hand or with a sharp knife into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a good amount of roots and shoots. These new divisions can then be transplanted into well-prepared soil that has been enriched with compost, spaced appropriately to allow room for growth. It is important to water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is effective because it not only helps to rejuvenate older plants by giving them more space to grow but also increases the number of plants in the garden.