Fall is all about the mums

Fall is all about the mums

When I think of autumn, the very first thing that comes to mind is Chrysanthemums. They are better known as mums for short. They are easy to care for, and keep the color going up until the first frost. They require little maintenance and lots of sun.

There are many different varieties, but the easiest to grow are single, anemone and pompon. Each variety also has a specific bloom time, so depending on how early or late you want to add color; this is a factor to be considered. You can find mums in colors from white to gold, pink to burgundy and yellow to orange.

Pictured below left is the single or daisy variety, and it blooms first, usually in early September. On the right is the anemone variety, and typically blooms last, around mid-October. And finally, on the bottom center is the pompon, and it is a mid to late September bloomer.

    

   

                         Photos courtesy of todayshomeowner.com

I have included a good article on the care for mums:

                                                  Easy mum care

Nearly every mum is a perennial, meaning that it will continue to come back every year. As the blooms fade, it is recommended that they be pinched off with your fingers and this will promote even more blooms to open, and continue their beautiful color.  This is one of mine from last fall. It is the anemone variety, and my favorite mum.