ANR-1096, New Feb 1998. By J.R. Kessler, Jr., Extension Horticulturist, Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Auburn University.

Fall Garden Mum Production In Alabama

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Introduction

Garden mums (Dendranthema × grandiflora) are a traditional fall-flowering greenhouse or outdoor container crop. The bright, colorful flowers provide a wide range of sales opportunities to garden centers, supermarkets, home improvement stores, and mass market outlets. However, profitable production of garden mums depends upon knowledge and control of production costs and proper cultural practices to achieve a quality product.

The term garden mum refers to Dendranthema cultivars that naturally flower outdoors early enough in the fall to be enjoyed well before the first heavy frost in most parts of the United States. This contrasts with pot mum cultivars which are designed to be produced in a greenhouse and flower too late outdoors to avoid the first killing frost. The terms 'Hardy' and 'Fall' Mums have also been used for garden mums. However, the outdoor hardiness of garden mum cultivars can vary by cultivar, region of the country, and from season to season.

CONTENTS

Cultivars, Containers, Propagation

Growing Media, Planting, Growing Area & Spacing

Irrigation, Fertilization

Pinching, Plant Growth Regulators, Flowers, Scheduling

Diseases, Pests, Costs Of Production

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Additional References

Langevin, D. 1992. The growing and marketing of fall mums. Annedawn Publishing, Norton, MA.

Gaston, M.L., S.A. Carver and C.A. Irwin (eds). 1996. Tips on growing and marketing garden mums. Ohio Florists' Association, Columbus OH.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.