How to Make Chrysanthemums Flower

Examine the garden site for full early sun exposure. For mums to grow and flower, they need five to six hours of sun. The early sun is needed to help dry the plant from the dew of the night.

Choose a place that is not near any lights, such as street lights or security lights. Mums bloom when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. Lights will keep them from blooming, or the blooms will not be as many or as big.

Inspect the area air circulation. Chrysanthemums need adequate circulation to keep mildew from forming. For better blooming, mums should not be planted in low-lying areas or where there is tall vegetation. Pull weeds and keep them pulled for better air circulation.

Provide soil that is well drained, sandy or loamy. Before planting, amend the soil with 3 inches of compost.

Space the chrysanthemums 18 to 24 inches apart. If you have vigorously growing chrysanthemums, space them 30 to 36 inches apart.

Water the chrysanthemums so the soil is wet to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Water when the soil is dry, but if your area has had adequate rainfall, skip watering. Water at the soil level to keep the foliage from getting wet, or you risk disease setting on the chrysanthemums. Water them early in the day so the foliage can be dry during nighttime hours.

Feed the chrysanthemums with a balanced dry fertilizer of 5-10-5 or 5-20-20. If using water-soluble fertilizers, use 15-30-15 or 20-20-20. Mix and apply according to label directions.

Pinch off the tips of new stems once a month from May through July to promote growth. Depending on the variety of your mums, do not pinch the tips off any later than July 15 or August 15. Leave at least three to four leaves on the stem.

Inspect the chrysanthemums for aphids or two-spotted mites. If you find these pests, spray them with an insecticidal soap. Mix and apply according to label directions. If your chrysanthemums have powdery mildew, spray or pour liquid seaweed onto your plants' leaves.