Harmony Harvest Farm is breathing new life into unique American heirloom chrysanthemums, making them available to the public. Typically, these heirloom mums are robust perennials that thrive in Zones 5-9. Among the extraordinary varieties worth trying are ‘Heather James’, ‘Moira’, and ‘Gertrude’.
While chrysanthemums are a staple of autumn, you needn’t confine yourself to the familiar selections found at local garden centers. The Mum Project, an initiative led by Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave, Virginia, is reintroducing hundreds of rare American heirloom mum varieties. These are sold both as plants and as cut flowers. Here’s a glimpse into what sets these mums apart, along with some of the most stunning types you can add to your own garden.
“These mums have been passed down through generations, encompassing old spider and football mums in colors that truly pop,” notes Jessica Hall, cofounder of Harmony Harvest Farm and an accomplished flower grower.
In contrast to the common practice of treating mums as seasonal annuals, many of these heirloom varieties are resilient perennials that can withstand the winter in Zones 5-9. “With the proper care, they’ll return year after year,” Hall assures.
Harmony Harvest collaborates with growers nationwide in an effort to produce enough heirloom mums to compete in the international flower market. Currently, their focus is on getting these plants into as many American gardens as possible. Among the most eye-catching varieties are those now being offered by Harmony Harvest Farm, which ships them as plugs in the spring. Use the code BHG10 to enjoy a 10 percent discount on your purchases.
– In-curve ball flowers boast a striking dual-tone appearance: gold on the outer petals and bright red on the inner. These plants produce an abundance of blooms and can reach heights of 36 inches.
– ‘Gertrude’ features tightly curled, fuzzy petals in a purplish-pink hue, making it a fall showstopper. It’s a mid-season bloomer, with flower sprays gracing plants that stand about 24 inches tall.
– The soft ivory color of these reflex flowers provides a beautiful contrast to the warm tones of autumn. They make a strong statement in the garden, reaching heights of 36 inches.
– This heirloom variety, with its bright red reflex flowers, is the perfect finishing touch for your fall garden. Reaching around 20 inches tall, it’s ideal for the middle or front of borders.
– ‘Chiffon’, a favorite of Jessica Hall, produces large, blush-colored cushion flowers and reaches about 26 inches in height.
– This dramatic football mum boasts oversized flowers on stems around 24 inches tall, with two-tone blooms in varying shades of purple.
– ‘Coral Cavalier’ delivers a bold punch of autumnal color with its large flowers in coral, rust, and rose hues. The plants typically grow to a height of 30 inches.
To ensure healthy growth, give your plants a strong start. Established plants can be planted in the ground during late summer or fall, while plugs are best suited for spring planting. Provide well-drained soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade, spacing the plants 1–3 feet apart to avoid overcrowding and disease. Mums can grow over 3 feet tall and may require staking to prevent them from falling over.
Water and fertilize regularly, as “mums are heavy feeders and require ample hydration,” according to Hall. When planting, use a 20-20-20 granular flower fertilizer and water deeply. Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season and apply a second round of fertilizer in late summer.
Prune the mums from spring through summer. Hall suggests pinching them back to about half their height at each pruning session, which will result in healthier, more manageable plants.
In winter, cut the plants back to 4 inches and apply mulch. In colder zones (1-3), consider growing mums in containers and moving them to a garage or shed until the risk of frost has passed. After a few years, divide overgrown plants in spring and share them with friends.
