How to Grow Stunning Purple Mums: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The allure of purple mums is undeniable. Their rich, vibrant hues add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any fall garden or display. But how exactly do you achieve these gorgeous blossoms? Here’s a detailed guide, starting with the straightforward answer and expanding into the nuances of growing your own purple mums.
The direct answer is that you can get purple mums in a few ways. You can purchase them directly from a nursery or store, or you can breed them yourself by crossing white mums. It’s important to note that even white mums can develop purple tinges due to cold weather, which is not the same as true purple breeding. The process of breeding involves specific crosses to achieve different colors and is what we will delve deeper into in this article.
Understanding Mum Breeding for Purple Flowers
Breeding mums for specific colors, like purple, is a fascinating process. It’s not as simple as planting any two mums together and hoping for the best. Here’s the breakdown for achieving the ideal purple hue:
Step-by-Step Guide to Breeding Purple Mums
- Start with White Mums: The foundation for breeding purple mums is the white variety.
- White + White = Purple: Simply crossing two white mums is one of the most straightforward methods to get purple mums. While it may not always work, it is a solid starting point for the hybrid breeding.
- Hybrid Yellow is Essential for Deeper Colors: Though not directly related to getting purple, understand that Red + Yellow = Hybrid Yellow is important if you also want to get green mums. It creates a special yellow which looks identical to regular yellow but is a necessary step to achieving other colors like Hybrid Purple.
- Hybrid Yellow + Hybrid Yellow = Hybrid Purple: This step shows that to obtain the hybrid purple you need to cross the hybrid yellow mums. This also looks like a standard purple.
- Hybrid Purple + Hybrid Purple = Green: Once you achieve the hybrid purple, crossing two will result in the green variety.
It’s important to recognize that in the world of mums, different colors have unique characteristics, some more complex than others to breed. This also means that to reach deeper colors like Green, breeding can be a multi-step process.
Cold Weather and Purple Tints
It’s crucial to note that white mums can naturally develop a purple tint due to cold weather, especially when temperatures dip below 55°F (13°C). This is not the same as genetically bred purple mums. It’s a pigment change in the petals, not a change in the flower’s genetic makeup. It is more likely to occur in white mums but can occur in other varieties.
The Role of Nurseries
For most gardeners, the simplest route to obtaining purple mums is through a nursery or garden center. These plants are often grown from cuttings, ensuring the exact desired color and form. This is much more predictable than growing from seeds, which can result in unpredictable color combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Mums
To further assist you in understanding and caring for your purple mums, here’s a collection of frequently asked questions:
1. Are purple mums natural?
Yes, purple mums are a natural color, alongside pink, white, orange, and red. While some varieties are carefully bred, purple is a color that mums naturally exhibit.
2. What are purple mums called?
Specific varieties of purple mums may have names like Belgian Mums® Vigorelli Purple, which is a late-season variety. However, many are simply labeled as “purple mums.”
3. Do mums cross-pollinate?
Yes, garden mums cross-pollinate freely. This is why growing from seeds can yield unpredictable results. Commercial growers prefer cuttings to ensure consistent colors.
4. Do white mums turn purple?
Yes, white mums can develop a purple hue, especially in cold weather. This is due to a pigment change triggered by low temperatures. It’s important to distinguish this from genetically purple varieties.
5. Are purple mums annuals or perennials?
While technically perennials, mums are often grown as annuals. Their ability to return depends on the climate and variety. In colder regions (USDA Zones 3-6), early-blooming varieties have a higher chance of returning.
6. How long do purple mums last?
The flowers typically last about two to three weeks, depending on the temperature and the stage of blooming when purchased.
7. How often should I water purple mums?
Mums need consistent watering. Avoid letting them dry out. Water every other day, especially when they start to wilt. Water at the soil level to avoid disease.
8. What do the colors of mums mean?
In the language of flowers, violet chrysanthemums signify unbearable pain at the thought of losing a loved one.
9. What triggers mums to bloom?
Shortening day lengths in late summer/early fall trigger mums to bloom. Different varieties have varying day-length requirements.
10. Do mums bloom just once?
Mums can bloom for extended periods with proper care. Pinching off spent blooms can encourage more flowering. They are hardy plants that will bloom annually from late summer to late fall.
11. Do mums like sun or shade?
Mums thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of sunlight a day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to weak, leggy plants with fewer flowers.
12. Will mums last through the winter?
Unfortunately, fall-planted garden mums often don’t survive winter, even with protection. Mums purchased in the fall are often considered temporary additions to the landscape.
13. Why are my purple mums turning yellow?
Upper leaf yellowing and necrosis can indicate late-season phosphorus deficiencies. The plant directs resources to the flowers, causing lower leaves to suffer.
14. Can store-bought mums be planted?
Yes, store-bought mums can be planted successfully, especially if they are well-budded or in bloom. They typically do well when planted in a full sun location.
15. Are mums toxic to pets?
Mums are considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and dermatitis.
Caring for Your Purple Mums
Once you have your beautiful purple mums, proper care is essential to keep them thriving. Here are a few care tips:
- Planting: Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and receive at least six hours of direct sunlight.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Pinching: Regularly pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowering and bushier growth.
- Winter Protection: If you want to attempt to overwinter your mums, cut them back after the first frost (not a hard freeze), cover them with 3-4 inches of mulch, and keep the soil moist. Remove the mulch in spring once the threat of frost has passed.
Conclusion
Growing purple mums, whether through breeding or purchasing, can bring immense joy. Understanding the unique needs of these beautiful flowers will enable you to enjoy their stunning blooms throughout the fall. Whether you choose to experiment with breeding, or prefer the ease of purchasing established plants, these tips will help you grow and enjoy your beautiful purple mums to the fullest. From understanding the science behind their color to providing them with optimal care, every step contributes to a successful and vibrant display.