Chrysanthemum [Ursula] Chrysanthemum Ursula = 'Yoursula' (PBR) (22)

Water

For optimal care of your Garden Mum, water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water every few days. Provide enough water to soak the soil thoroughly, which could be equivalent to 1 gallon for a plant in a standard-sized pot. Avoid watering overhead to prevent disease and don't let the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot.

Light

Garden Mums thrive best in full sunlight, which involves placing them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming. An ideal location would be in an east or west-facing garden where they can enjoy the morning or afternoon sun.

Temperature

Garden Mums prefer a moderate temperature range and should be protected from extreme temperatures. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During hot weather over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants may require additional shading or watering.

Pruning

Pruning Garden Mums is essential to promote bushier growth and enhance blooming. Pinch back the tips when new growth reaches 4 to 6 inches throughout the spring to early summer. Stop pruning in mid-summer to allow flower buds to form for fall blooming. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mums prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of peat, perlite, and compost works well, maintaining a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0-7.0.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive at an average room humidity level of 40-60%, avoiding overly dry or very high humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering for mums.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum Ursula, commonly known as 'Hardy Mum', begins its life cycle as a seed or a vegetative cutting. Upon germination or rooting, the cutting develops into a small seedling with a rosette of leaves close to the soil surface. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth phase, during which it produces a robust system of roots and foliage. The transition to the flowering phase is triggered by shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures, typically in late summer to fall, during which the plant develops flower buds that blossom into vibrant flowers. After blooming, the plant sets seed if pollinated, completing its reproductive phase. Outside of its perennial range, the Chrysanthemum Ursula dies after frost, but in milder climates, it can overwinter and re-emerge, repeating its cycle the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Chrysanthemum, often known simply as 'mum', can be propagated through a method called division, which is quite popular for this plant due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Commonly, mums are propagated during the spring season as new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, a gardener should carefully dig up the entire mum plant, ensuring to maintain a good portion of the root system intact. Then, using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is split into smaller sections, each with at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These divisions are then immediately planted into a well-prepared garden soil or potting mixture and watered thoroughly. It is crucial during this time to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage the establishment of the new plants.