Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze' (Poppins Series)

Water

Mum plants like the 'Prelude Autumn Bronze' should be watered thoroughly whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch; usually, this might be once a week, but it can vary depending on the weather and soil conditions. Provide enough water to soak the root zone, which could be approximately one gallon for an established plant in the garden. During hot and dry spells, they may need water more frequently to prevent wilting. Mums in containers may require daily watering, especially in hot weather. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Mums, including 'Prelude Autumn Bronze', thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that's bright and receives consistent, direct light, as this promotes strong growth and optimal flowering. However, in regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.

Temperature

Mums, such as the 'Prelude Autumn Bronze', prefer moderate temperatures and can typically survive in temperatures ranging from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions usually fall within 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are frost-tolerant and can survive a light frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing will damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning mums, such as 'Prelude Autumn Bronze', encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips when new growth has reached about 5 inches in the spring, and continue doing so every two to three weeks until midsummer. This helps to create a more compact plant with more flowers. Pruning should not be done late in the season as it can impede the formation of flower buds.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hardy mums like Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze' thrive best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A recipe for an ideal soil mix would be to blend two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost or aged manure. This ensures both good drainage and fertility. Additionally, they prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, around 6.0 to 6.7.

Repotting

Hardy mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze,' should ideally be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth. Best practice is to repot in the spring before new growth begins, allowing the plant to establish in the new soil before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze' prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level around 40-60% which is typical of indoor environments. Avoid placing them in exceptionally dry or overly humid areas as both extremes can cause stress to the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, moderate water, and fertilize regularly.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, well-drained soil, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of leaves and stems, establishing a solid root system during this period. As it enters the flowering stage in late summer to fall, the plant produces an abundance of bronze-colored flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers may produce seeds that can be dispersed to grow new plants. In climates with frost, the plant may die back to the ground in winter, but it is capable of regrowth from its root system if it is a hardy variety or if its roots are protected from freezing. The plant continues its life cycle yearly, with some varieties able to survive multiple seasons as perennials, while others are treated as annuals and re-planted each year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Chrysanthemum 'Prelude Autumn Bronze', commonly known as mum, is typically propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate mums using stem cuttings, the best time to do so is in the spring when the plant's growth is most vigorous. A healthy non-flowering shoot about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) long should be selected and cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a moist potting mix or a propagation tray. It is important to maintain consistent moisture and provide a warm environment with indirect light until the cuttings root. This process generally takes a few weeks, after which the young plants can be transplanted to their final location.