4A HOW TO GROW OUTSIDE CHRYSANTHEMUMS 
Follow These 10 Keys To Success 
1. SELECT A RICH, WELL DRAINED SOIL. Mums are quick growing plants 
that do best in a rich, well drained soil rich in available plant food. Be sure 
that water cannot stand on site selected. 
2. SUNNY LOCATION—NOT CROWDED. A sunny location not hemmed in by 
trees or tall shrubs is essential. Mums love lots of fresh air. 
3. SINGLE SHOOT PLANTS, PLANTED APR. 20 TO JUNE 20. Select single 
shoot plants, either new potted ones or divide your old clumps. They are vastly 
superior in growth and bloom. 
4. SPACE 18 IN. TO 2 FT. APART. This is very important as it allows for 
proper growth and ample room to cultivate. 
5. WATER WELL—but not too much. As chrysanthemums grow fast they must 
not be allowed to dry out. 
6 CULTIVATE WELL TILL AUGUST 20. After August 20 the side shoots 
that make plants for next year begin to form. Cultivation after that date will 
break many off. 
7. PINCH BACK. About August 15 when plants are growing rapidly cut or 
pinch the tops back to knee height, about two feet. A well rounded branched 
plant will result. 
8. SUMMER FERTILIZATION. After rinching back, when the new branching 
starts, give each plant half a palmful of fertilizer, 0-10-10, 2-12-6 or with as 
little nitrogen as possible. 
9. PICK FLOWERS. Picking flowers is a good practice as it encourages new 
root growth. Cut off all flowers when blooming period is over. 
10. WINTER MULCH. If possible cover crowns with an inch or so of sand 
then mulch with excelsior or straw. 
What Should | Do? 
PLANT LICE—APHIDS—Spray with nicotine spray, eliminate ants nearby. 
LEAVES BURN AT BASE—Maybe too crowded, too wet a location, plants not transplanted 
and divided, plants hungry—fertilize well. 
TOO TALL—FALL OVER—Plants not cut. back—soil too rich in nitrates—too much shade— 
older taller varieties—select newer, more dwarf varieties. 
DO NOT BLOOM —Too shady—too rich a soil—not divided and reset. 
| PLANT A ROW OF MUMS 
Hardy Chrysanthemums develop to their fullest extent when grown in rows like carrots 
or cabbage in your vegetable garden. Plant them 2 ft. apart in rows at least 3 ft. center 
to center. 
a ER te 
ROCKNOLL NURSERY - MORROW, OHIO 
