Chrysanthemum

Available weeks 19-22 only. Chrysanthemums are the quintessential flower of autumn, brightening bouquets just as summer production comes to an end. Long-lasting and cheerfully colorful, they combine beautifully with fall berries, flowering kale, caryopteris, salvias, and the final dahlias of the season. If you haven't grown mums before there are a few things to keep in mind. Mums like it warm to hot, right up until you harvest. Northern growers especially should grow mums in a tunnel to keep them warm enough to bloom well. While the plants may survive frost, the blooms will not, so think about your October/November weather and plan accordingly. Aim to keep them 55F or higher. Tunnel growing will give the best results. Grow mums away from streetlights, or other artificial lights, as they need the uninterrupted long nights of fall to set buds and flower successfully.  Plant your plugs on arrival into a warm sunny location, using 6" spacing. Keep them well fed and well watered. As soon as