Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' (5b)

Water

Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight', typically require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During active growth, especially in the spring and summer, they may need watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure that each watering session saturates the soil to a depth of about 6 inches, which usually equates to about 1 gallon of water for a standard-sized plant. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Mums thrive in full sunlight, so the Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An east- or south-facing location is often ideal to provide the intense light they need for vigorous growth and abundant blooms. If it's grown indoors, ensure it is placed near a sunny window.

Temperature

The ideal growing temperatures for mums are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' can survive a range lower than this but not less than about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are moderately frost-resistant but cannot withstand long periods of hard freezes. Similarly, high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant and should be avoided if possible.

Pruning

Prune Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' to encourage bushier growth, remove spent blooms, and maintain shape. Pinching back the tips of the stems can be done in late spring and early summer. Deadheading, or removing the faded flowers, should be done regularly to promote more blooms. The best time for significant pruning is after the flowering period is over, usually in late fall or early winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, is well-draining and fertile with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. Adjust soil acidity as needed to reach the optimal pH range.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years, usually in the spring. If they become pot-bound or the soil is exhausted, repotting may be needed more frequently to ensure healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive in moderate humidity levels. Aim for a range between 40% and 60% to keep the mum, 'Hesketh Knight', healthy without providing conditions for fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place mums in bright, indirect light and water evenly for indoor growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in fertile soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight' (5b), commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, typically begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in spring after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds germinate, and seedlings soon emerge, eventually developing into young plants with foliage. As the plant matures during the growing season, it forms a bushy structure with numerous branches and leaves. By late summer to early autumn, it reaches the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that can be various shades depending on the cultivar. After flowering, the plant sets seeds if the flowers are left to mature and are pollinated. With the onset of winter, the plant will either die back if it is treated as an annual, or may enter a period of dormancy if it is a perennial variety, to re-emerge the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Chrysanthemum 'Hesketh Knight', more commonly known as garden mum, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings, a popular method used for many chrysanthemum varieties. This process ideally takes place in the spring when the plant's new growth is about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters). To propagate, a healthy stem is selected and a cutting is made using sharp, sterilized pruning shears. The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the stem is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or vermiculite to provide a well-draining environment. The container should be kept moist and placed in indirect sunlight until the cutting establishes roots, which typically takes about two to three weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.