Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' (PBR)

Water

Hardy mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' require consistent moisture but don't do well in overly wet conditions. They should be watered deeply, which means providing enough water to soak the soil around the roots, once a week. This usually translates to about 1 gallon of water for each plant per watering session. However, during periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water them two to three times a week. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Light

Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow', thrive in full sunlight. They need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom profusely. An ideal spot is an area that receives unfiltered morning sunlight and partial shade during the intense afternoon heat, although they can manage in full sun all day if acclimated. Avoid placing them in deep shade as this can hinder flower development and weaken the plant.

Temperature

Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F and as high as 90°F, but prolonged exposure outside this range can be damaging. To ensure a strong bloom, it is also beneficial to provide mums with cooler nighttime temperatures around 55°F to 60°F.

Pruning

Pruning Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' mums is important for promoting bushy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back the growing tips when the plants are about 6 inches tall, usually in late spring or early summer, and continue every 2-4 weeks until mid-July. Prune any dead or damaged stems any time they are noticed to maintain plant health. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the blooming period, in late fall or early winter, to prepare the plant for the next year's growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mums prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.7. A mix containing peat, compost, and vermiculite or perlite would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and nutrient retention.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and prevent root bounding. In more vigorous growing conditions, yearly repotting may be necessary.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive best in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Too much humidity can lead to fungal issues, while too little can cause stress.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, away from drafts, moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, sheltered from wind, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow' (PBR), commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, starts its life cycle from a seed or vegetative cutting. The seed germinates or the cutting roots in soil, before developing into a young seedling with a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage characterized by the expansion of leaves and stems. During the flowering phase, typically in late summer to fall, the plant produces vibrant yellow blooms that are its most distinctive feature. After flowering, the garden mum sets seeds if pollinated, which can then be dispersed to start new plants, while vegetative cuttings can be taken during active growth to clone and propagate the original plant. In winter or adverse conditions, the plant may die back, entering a dormant phase, but with adequate protection or in milder climates, it can survive to regrow the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Chrysanthemum 'Conaco Yellow', commonly known as mums, is through division. This is typically done in the early spring before new growth starts. Gardeners should carefully dig up the entire clump of mum plants, ensuring a good amount of soil is kept around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is then divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a segment of the root system. These sections are immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.