Chrysanthemum 'Yellow American Beauty' (5b)

Water

Mums, including the 'Yellow American Beauty', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's crucial to water them regularly. Depending on the climate, soil type, and weather conditions, watering may be required at least once a week, ensuring that you supply about one gallon of water per square yard each time. During hot or dry spells, the frequency should increase to twice a week to maintain moisture without causing waterlogging. It's best to water early in the morning at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Light

Mums, such as 'Yellow American Beauty', thrive in full sun to light shade conditions. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to develop their best flower production and strongest growth. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sun and is shielded from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun to prevent wilting.

Temperature

The 'Yellow American Beauty' Mum prefers a moderate temperature range, normally between 60°F to 70°F. It's capable of withstanding short periods outside this range, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 32°F to avoid frost damage and maximum temperatures ideally not exceeding 80°F to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning 'Yellow American Beauty' Mums encourages bushiness and prevents legginess. Pinching back the tips of the stems by about one inch when they're six to eight inches tall, repeated every few weeks until mid-summer, results in a fuller plant. The best time for major pruning is in early spring before new growth begins, to remove any dead or damaged tissue from the previous year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as a mum, should be well-draining and fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.7. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts works well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient retention for optimal growth.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done after flowering, or in the spring before the new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive best when the humidity level is moderate, around 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation in humidity, but avoiding excessively dry or damp conditions is important to maintain their health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place mums in bright, indirect light and provide consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Plant mums in full sun with well-draining soil and space for air flow.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Yellow American Beauty', commonly known as the Hardy Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given the right conditions, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first set of true leaves, after which the plant enters the vegetative state where it develops a robust stem and expansive foliage through the accumulation of sunlight and nutrients. During this time, the Hardy Mum may be pinched back to encourage a bushier growth and more abundant blooms. As the plant matures and environmental cues signal the start of the blooming season, typically in late summer to fall, it enters the flowering stage, showcasing vibrant yellow blooms that attract various pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced for the next generation, completing the reproductive cycle. With the onset of winter, the plant may die back if protective measures aren’t taken in colder climates, or it may enter dormancy until the following spring, depending on the severity of the winter and regional hardiness zone conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The optimal time to propagate Chrysanthemum 'Yellow American Beauty', commonly known as mums, is in the spring, just after the risk of frost has passed and the plant starts to show new growth. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through division. To propagate mums by division, you should carefully lift the entire plant from the ground using a garden fork or shovel. Once out of the soil, the clumps of mums can be separated into smaller sections using your hands or a sharp knife. Ensure that each section has a good amount of roots and a few shoots. Replant these divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters). Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them, and continue to provide regular watering and care as they grow.