Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn' Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn' (21d)

Water

Mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn', require consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They can be watered about once a week, although this can vary based on climate conditions and the size of the plant. Use a watering can or hose to gently water the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. It's often best to provide about one gallon of water each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without causing waterlogged conditions. During hot or windy weather check the soil more frequently, as the plant may require more frequent watering.

Light

Mums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so positioning Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn' in a location that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight daily is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which may be too intense and can lead to wilting. They do well in areas with morning sunlight and partial shade in the hotter parts of the afternoon.

Temperature

Mums, such as Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn', prefer cooler temperatures, thriving in conditions ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temporary dips down to freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range will promote robust growth and vibrant blossoms.

Pruning

Pruning Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn' promotes bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems through the growing season until mid-summer. This encourages branching and leads to a fuller plant. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, also helps, as it directs energy back into bloom production. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring, before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn', commonly known as garden mum, thrives best in well-draining soil with high organic matter. A mix of equal parts peat, perlite, and loam is ideal, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 to support optimal growth and flowering.

Repotting

Garden mums should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Garden mums prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation, but consistent moderate humidity is best for their growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, mulch, and regular watering.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedling emerges and grows into a vegetative plant, developing stems, leaves, and a root system throughout the spring and early summer. As the plant matures, it enters the budding phase in mid to late summer, initiated by shorter day lengths, where flower buds start to form. The flowering stage occurs in late summer to fall when the Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn' blooms, displaying its characteristic flowers in shades of yellow, red, or pink. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects, the plant produces seeds that will disperse for the next generation. Finally, as winter approaches, the plant either dies back to the ground and undergoes dormancy or, depending on climatic conditions, may be perennial, surviving through the winter to regrow in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum 'Nell Gwynn', commonly known as mums, is through division. This process is ideally performed in the spring when new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Once removed from the ground, gently tease apart the plant clumps into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. Replant these divisions immediately, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth, and water them thoroughly to encourage root establishment. Division not only helps to create new plants but also invigorates old clumps by giving them more space to grow.