Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook' Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook' (25b)

Water

Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook', prefer evenly moist soil, so it is important to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering with about one gallon per plant every week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, additional water may be necessary. Ensure that water penetrates the soil deeply to encourage strong root development. Avoid watering overhead to prevent fungal diseases, and instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Light

Mums thrive best in full sunlight, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This reliable bloomer's ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden or a space where it can receive ample morning and afternoon sun. If grown indoors, a sunny windowsill where daylight is most abundant will suffice.

Temperature

The Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook' performs best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant period in winter. However, to promote flowering and vigorous growth, maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial, with daytime temperatures not exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook' should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer, or when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Continue to pinch back every few weeks until mid-summer to promote more blooms and a compact shape. The best time for pruning is just after the spring growth has started and before the buds form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mums thrive best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook', commonly known as just 'mums', would include a combination of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to nourish the soil.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and prevent becoming root-bound. Repotting is best done in spring after the last frost or in late summer before the flowering season.

Humidity & Misting

Mums prefer a moderate humidity level, around 40-60%. Consistent humidity without being too high is important to prevent issues such as fungal diseases, which they can be prone to in overly moist conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place mums in bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant mums in a sunny spot with good air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, starts with seed germination, where the seeds require well-drained soil and adequate warmth to sprout. This is followed by the vegetative stage, where the seedling grows leaves and stems, vigorously expanding under the right conditions of sunlight and water. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, where buds form that will develop into the characteristic flowers of the Hardy Garden Mum, usually in late summer or early fall. The blooming stage is when these buds open to reveal the colorful flowers that can vary in shades, attracting pollinators to the garden. After the blooming period, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle, though many gardeners propagate mums through cuttings for uniformity. Finally, as a perennial, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, storing energy in its roots to regrow the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Chrysanthemum 'Nora Brook', commonly known as the garden mum, is often propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This technique is generally performed in the spring when the plant is actively growing. To propagate garden mums by stem cuttings, one would take a 4 to 6-inch cutting (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) from the tip of a healthy, non-flowering stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted into a moist potting mix. The new plants are kept in a well-lit area and maintained at high humidity until roots have formed and new growth is evident, indicating successful propagation.