Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Sweetheart' Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Sweetheart' (29c)

Water

For the Mum, also known as Chrysanthemum, it's important to maintain moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It's crucial to avoid over-watering as Mums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Provide about 1 gallon of water each time you water an established plant in the ground; potted Mums may require about 16-24 ounces per watering, adjusted for pot size and indoor conditions.

Light

Mums prefer bright light with some direct sunlight to thrive. An ideal spot would be one that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing the Mum in a south-facing window or a slightly shaded spot in the garden that still benefits from generous sunlight during the day is optimal.

Temperature

Mums flourish in cooler conditions and can tolerate a temperature range from 32°F, which is right at the freezing point, to about 70°F, which is a comfortable room temperature. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 55°F and 65°F. While they can survive a light frost, extended exposure to temperatures below freezing can be damaging to the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Mums, also known as Chrysanthemums, encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. Pinch back the growing tips when the plants are about 6 inches tall, and continue to do so every couple of weeks until mid-summer. This will result in a more compact plant with more flowers. The best time for pruning is in early spring as new growth appears and again after the first flush of flowers to shape the plant and encourage additional blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For best growth, Chrysanthemums require well-draining soil with a mix of two-thirds organic matter and one-third coarse sand or perlite. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish their soil and provide room for growth; late spring is typically the best time.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 60-70%, avoiding excessively dry or overly humid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep slightly moist, and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, partial to full sun, and protect from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Sweetheart', commonly known as garden mum, begins with germination, where seeds (if produced and viable) sprout in warm, moist soil conditions generally in spring. The seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a robust root system and vegetative growth, including characteristic deeply lobed leaves. As the plants mature, they enter a vegetative growth phase during which time they grow rapidly in preparation for flowering; in cultivation, this often involves pinch pruning to encourage bushy growth. Environmental cues such as shorter day lengths trigger the onset of bud formation as the plant enters the reproductive stage, resulting in a profusion of pink flowers that attract pollinators for seed production. After flowering, the garden mum may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it survives as underground structures until favorable conditions return for the next growth cycle. Lastly, the cycle concludes with the plant either dying after seeding (if it's an annual variety) or preparing for the next season’s growth (in perennial varieties), which may involve dieback of aerial parts and the storing of energy in underground parts for the next season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Sweetheart', often referred to as Hardy Garden Mum, is typically propagated by cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, you would take a 3-5 inch cutting from the tip of a stem, making sure there's a couple of leaves left on it. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a consistent temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). This method, usually undertaken in spring to early summer, allows for the development of roots within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be transplanted to their final location.