Fall Chrysanthamums - Tips on caring for these special blooms

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nov. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Autumn is in full swing. The leaves have turned and begun to paint the ground with the vibrant colors of orange, red, and yellow. Tis the season for fabulous fall mums. Whether in a bushel basket or fresh cut stems from a favorite floral vender they are sure to add a touch of fall beauty to any front porch, or table scape. These wonderful blooms come in a verity of colors: white, yellow, pink, red, lavender, gold, and  bronze, perfect for the season. The professionals at Floral Design Institute offer some tips on choosing and caring for potted or fresh cut chrysanthemums.

Potted Mums: Place the plant in a sunny but cool spot. Mums can take a bit of direct sunlight as long as it is during the morning or evening, midday sun is too hot for them. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. To ensure the plant has good drainage water it until the water begins to run out the bottom of the pot. Once all the blooms have died, through the plant away.

Fresh Cut Mums: There are a few things to look for when buying fresh cut mums. If they havemultiple blooms on one stem like daisies, button poms, or spray mums; Purchase the stems with three quarters of the flowers in bloom. For stems that have only one bloom per stem like spider mums or football mums; Purchase tight blossoms.  In both verities, look for dark green, turgid foliage and avoid dry, brittle stems and blossoms that are shattering or loosing their petals. Once the blooms arrive at their final desitination you will want to condition them. Beggin by removing all foliage that will be below the water line in the container. Cut stems under water. Hydrate in a solution of warm water and floral food.  Make sure that the water and floral food is of proper concentration.  A high concentration of floral food can cause the leaves to yellow.  The bottom portion of some mum stems can be woody, make sure to cut the stems above this woody tissue in order for the stem to uptake water. These steps will ensure blooms last as long as possible.

For further information about care and handling of chrysanthemums visit http://www.flowerschool.com and see the flower library section.

With these simple and easy steps fall mums with their brightness and vibrancy can be enjoyed thoughtout the autumn season.