Question:
I received a potted, flowering mum as a gift. How do I care for it?Answer:
In the home, place the mum in a brightly lit, cool location. An ideal site is one near a window that receives bright light (but no direct sunlight) and temperatures of 60 to 70°F.
Check soil moisture frequently. When the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot. The pots of most potted mums are placed inside decorative pot covers. When watering the plant, carefully remove the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop the mum back into the pot cover.
Compost plants when flowering has finished. The varieties of mum sold as flowering potted plants at the florist are not winter hardy in Iowa and cannot be successfully planted outdoors.
Learn more in this article: Growing Chrysanthemums in Iowa.
