Mid-season blooming mums are a valuable addition to our fall offerings, beginning to bloom from mid-October and continuing until the end of the month. This timing aligns perfectly with our farm's seasonal changes, as many of our hot summer annuals have finished blooming, and the arrival of a killing frost signals the end of that growing period.

We cultivate these mums in an unheated high tunnel, which provides essential protection against a few chilly nights. While the plants themselves can withstand cooler temperatures, the blooms require a bit more care to prevent damage from frost. Typically, the high tunnel shields the flowers effectively without the need for supplemental heat, allowing us to maintain the quality of our autumn blooms.

The varieties we select are particularly well-suited for our market bouquet work, significantly extending our season of fresh bouquets into November. For home gardeners, these beautiful mums are also reliable performers. Located in growing zone 6a in Western Pennsylvania, where our first frost generally occurs around October 10th, we find that these varieties thrive. In warmer climates such as zone 6b or higher, they may flourish with little to no protection, making them accessible for a broader range of garden enthusiasts.

Mancetta Sunset features an anemone-style bloom that is perfect for market bouquets, delighting our grocery store customers. The branching stems showcase numerous beautiful blooms, both on the plant and in a vase. With its cheerful colors, this variety makes a wonderful addition to our fall flower lineup. As the plant grows tall, it will require support to maintain its structure. Mancetta Sunset would be an excellent choice for any flower farm or home garden.

Kermit, indeed, is a standout choice for those who appreciate green flowers. This robust plant is known for producing a remarkable number of blooms atop each stem, resulting in a breathtaking display. As Kermit grows taller, it may require support to maintain its impressive stature. The striking bright yellow-green flowers add a unique touch to bouquets, making them visually appealing and refreshing.

Incorporating Kermit into your flower farm or home garden can enhance your collection with its distinctive characteristics. It offers an opportunity to cultivate something different that can captivate anyone who encounters it. Embrace the charm of Kermit and enjoy the beauty it brings to your floral creations.

Whirlaway is a cherished variety that holds a special place in our history at Goose Creek Gardens, Ltd. Its spoon-style flowers, characterized by fluted petals, create a striking display both in the garden and in floral arrangements. Each Whirlaway plant produces multiple long stems, which contributes to its impressive visual appeal.

As a tall-growing variety, Whirlaway may require support during its growth. This feature makes it not only a beautiful addition to a garden setting but also a wonderful choice for cut flower farms looking to enhance their seasonal offerings with something unique. Whether adding a touch of elegance to a garden or providing exceptional blooms for cutting, Whirlaway is sure to delight.

Bronze Fleece is an impressive variety of chrysanthemum, known for its cascade style; however, we cultivate it in a traditional upright format. This particular mum can reach considerable heights and produces numerous stems per plant, creating a lush and vibrant display.

Due to the abundance of stems and flowers, it is advisable to provide support to maintain the plant's upright structure during its growth. Each stem showcases small flowers that cluster beautifully at the top, resulting in a delightful profusion of color.

The whimsical nature of Bronze Fleece makes it a fantastic choice for arrangements and bouquets, adding a playful touch to any floral display. Our enthusiasm for growing this mum is evident, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their garden with vibrant and unique blooms.

Pink Fleece is a delightful addition to your garden, similar in style to Bronze Fleece, with its elegant cascade growth pattern. This variety produces numerous stems and flowers per plant, creating a vibrant display.

For those looking to cultivate upright Pink Fleece mums, providing support during the growth phase is essential to prevent bending or falling. The cheerful small pink flowers add a lovely touch to any bouquet or arrangement, making them a versatile choice for floral displays.

Our experience with growing Pink Fleece makes it clear that this mum variety is a joy to cultivate. We highly recommend it to anyone interested in adding beautiful, resilient mums to their collection.

Alexis is a standout heirloom mum that captivates with its large purple flowers, making it a stunning focal point in any garden, arrangement, or bouquet. Due to the weight of its striking blooms, this variety requires adequate support during its growth to prevent it from toppling over. Disbudding is also recommended to encourage the development of one impressive bloom per stem, enhancing its visual impact. With increasing demand from our floral customers, we are committed to expanding our production of Alexis each year, as it continues to be a favorite among those seeking exceptional floral options.

Apricot Alexis is one of the standout varieties of chrysanthemums that we cultivate at Goose Creek Gardens, Ltd. This mum features large, show-stopping blooms in a captivating apricot hue, making it a favorite among florists and flower enthusiasts alike. To support the weight of its impressive blooms, it is important to provide structural support during the growth process, as this will help prevent the flowers from toppling over.

For optimal results, disbudding is recommended to ensure that each stem produces one magnificent bloom, enhancing its visual impact. This variety has become increasingly popular in our gardens, and we are committed to expanding our production each year.

Any flower farmer looking to extend their growing season and provide customers with a unique, exquisite bloom would benefit from including Apricot Alexis in their offerings. Its beauty and charm are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Cloverlea Sunshine is a delightful anemone-style mum that brings a vibrant touch to any garden or floral arrangement. Each plant produces numerous stems, topped with clusters of cheerful, multi-petaled flowers that create a stunning visual display. Its lively blooms make it an ideal choice for market bouquets, adding both color and personality.

Due to its long stems, Cloverlea Sunshine benefits from support during its growth, ensuring the flowers stand tall and showcase their full potential. This mum thrives in various settings, making it a fantastic option for home gardens and flower farms alike. Cultivating Cloverlea Sunshine will not only enhance your floral offerings but also provide a joyful addition to your outdoor spaces.

Natalini is a stunning spider mum with delicate light pink petals that bring a touch of elegance to any floral display. This variety exemplifies the best qualities of spider mums, making it a standout choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Like all spider mums, Natalini serves as a captivating focal point in bouquets and arrangements, effortlessly drawing the eye with its unique shape and vibrant color. The long stems of each plant require support during their growth to maintain an upright posture, ensuring they remain a striking feature in your garden or floral compositions.

If you are seeking a sophisticated addition to your collection, Natalini is an excellent option for growing a fancy mum. Its beauty and adaptability make it a cherished choice for creating breathtaking displays in any setting.

Fantasy is a perfect name for this mum. Its spoon-like petals evoke images of a fairy garden, adding an enchanting touch to any setting. This variety excels in market bouquets, floral arrangements, or as a striking feature in home gardens. Each plant yields numerous long stems adorned with multiple blooms atop sturdy supports. Although it does not grow excessively tall, providing support will ensure it remains upright and vibrant throughout its growth cycle. Fantasy is a delightful choice for anyone looking to enhance their garden or farm with a touch of whimsy and color.

Mid-Season Blooming Heirloom Chrysanthemums Part 2.

Year in Review Part 3