How to Grow Autumn Mum Dark Red Crimson Glory
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Autumn Mum Dark Red Crimson Glory
Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Crimson Glory'
flowerCrimson Glory is a stunning fall-blooming chrysanthemum cultivar featuring deep crimson-red flowers with a full, double bloom form. This hardy perennial is prized for its vibrant color and prolific flowering during autumn months, making it a classic choice for seasonal gardens and floral arrangements. It typically grows as a compact, bushy plant that creates impressive color displays in the landscape.
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Example Autumn Mum Dark Red Crimson Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Autumn Mum Dark Red Crimson Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Autumn Mum Dark Red Crimson Glory blooms
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung transplants develop root systems and initial leaf growth; plant appears relatively small with basic foliage structure
Water regularly to establish roots; pinch main stem when 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant becomes bushy with dense foliage; multiple stems develop from pinching; no flower buds yet visible
Continue pinching lateral shoots until early July (in northern zones) to create fuller plant. Maintain consistent moisture and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced formula.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to appear at stem tips as days shorten; plant transitions from vegetative to reproductive growth
Stop pinching. Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer (10-20-20) to promote flowering. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering
4-6 weeks or until frostAbundant deep crimson-red double flowers open progressively; plant is full and showy with continuous blooming
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Water at base only to protect flowers. Stake if needed for tall varieties.
Post-Bloom/Dormancy
Ongoing until springFlowers fade and drop; foliage may decline with frost; plant prepares for winter dormancy
Cut back after first hard frost to 4-6 inches above ground. In cold zones, provide mulch for winter protection. Reduce watering significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or horticultural spray; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves; ensure good air circulation
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use strong water spray to dislodge; introduce ladybugs; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from mums; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is severe
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested foliage
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or neem oil at first sign; remove infected foliage
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Remove infected leaves; water at soil level only; avoid crowding; apply copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryChrysanthemum petals, particularly from lighter-colored varieties, are edible and used in some Asian cuisines and herbal teas. While dark red varieties are primarily ornamental, the flowers are food-safe for garnishing if pesticide-free. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalChrysanthemum flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to support eye health, reduce inflammation, and promote cooling properties in the body. Tea made from chrysanthemum flowers is commonly consumed for its mild medicinal benefits. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdCrimson Glory mums are exceptional as cut flowers for fall bouquets, funeral arrangements, and seasonal decorations. The deep red color adds drama to floral designs and has excellent vase life of 10-14 days with proper conditioning. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftMum flowers dry beautifully and can be pressed, dried in silica gel, or air-dried for use in wreaths, pressed flower art, and decorative crafts. The deep crimson color retains well through the drying process. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFall-blooming chrysanthemums provide valuable late-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when natural food sources become scarce. These flowers extend the foraging season for beneficial insects preparing for winter. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but not yet past peak. Cut just above a leaf node, leaving 4-6 inches of stem on plant to encourage regrowth. For maximum vase life (10-14 days), condition cut flowers by placing in cool water with floral preservative. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly during bloom season to extend flowering period.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan and hold significant cultural importance, particularly in the Festival of Happiness (Chrysanthemum Festival) celebrated annually since the 8th century.
- 🌱 The name 'chrysanthemum' comes from Greek words meaning 'golden flower' (chrysos = gold, anthos = flower), though modern breeding has created varieties in nearly every color except true blue.
- 🌱 Mums require specific day-length triggers to flower—they are 'short-day plants' that bloom when days fall below 13.5 hours, which is why they naturally flower in fall and why indoor growers use blackout techniques to force blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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