August 1996
Leaves are dark green, lobed, and oval on tough woody stems. Cushion shaped with many rows of ray flowers. Many forms are available, including daisy, spoon, spider and "football".
Yellow, Red, White, Pink, Orange, Purple
Hard to reflower greenhouse grown mums indoors. Hardy varieties may be planted outdoors. Cut back to produce new growth.
Year Round
Small container, large planter.
Low to medium to high. Tolerates most light levels well.
Frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.
Cool. 50 - 60 (degrees F) days, 45 - 55 nights.
Average
Not necessary while flowering
1 to 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part sterilized loam, and 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite.
Tip and stem cuttings
Select sturdy, shapely plant with healthy foliage and bright, clear colored flowers. New flower buds desirable. Check leaf axils for insects. Avoid plants with disease or insect damage.
Very challenging. Attractive while in bloom. Difficult to cultivate year round and rebloom. Usually discarded after blooms fade.
`Claret Glow' - red flowers (Aug.); `Pinksmoor' - double, deep pink (Sept.); `Mason's Bronze' - orange-bronze (Nov.), and many, many more.
Aphids: Wash with soapy water or use an
insecticide.
Spider mites: Wash with soapy water and
apply miticide.
Leaf miners: Remove and destroy infected
leaves.
Weak and spindly growth: Place in
brighter location.
Several species are cultivated for pyrethrum insecticide. Popular cut flower. One species is grown in the Orient as a leaf vegetable. Tolerate most light conditions when in bloom. After blooming they need bright light. Often used in mass displays in large interior planters.