Noteworthy CharacteristicsLooser habit than florist mums. Long stems that are good for cutting.

CareGarden mums need fertile soil and can take light shade, although they grow best in full sun. Plants can be pinched back in early summer if not used for cutting. Divide as needed in spring or fall. Garden mums are often used as annuals.

PropagationTake cuttings in early spring, and root in soilless mix with sand on the surface, at 61°F. Place in a cold frame with ventilation, and harden off in midspring.

ProblemsAphids, earwigs, nematodes, capsid bugs, leaf miners, whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites. Potential disease problems include botrytis, leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, stem and root rots, verticillium wilt, aster yellows, and viruses.