Chrysanthemums more commonly known as “mums” are one of the most popular fall flowers. Their vibrant colors and ruffled petals have made them a staple in autumn gardens, porch pots, and flower arrangements for decades.
When spring rolls around and its time to start planning the autumn garden, the first step is acquiring mum seeds. But for new gardeners, the variety of mum seed types and shapes can be confusing. What exactly should you be looking for when you open that seed packet?
In this article, we’ll walk through the key features of mum seeds so you know exactly what to expect when planting these fall favorites.
The Basics: Size and Shape
Mum seeds are extremely small. In fact, they are near microscopic! The seeds resemble tiny ovals or teardrops, measuring only 1 to 2 millimeters long.
They have a smooth, glossy surface and are typically dark brown or black in color. Some varieties may have lighter brown seeds. The seeds’ tiny size allows thousands to fit into a single seed packet.
To give you a sense of scale, mum seeds are about the size of a grain of sand You’ll need a magnifying glass to see their oval shape clearly Don’t expect large, round seeds like beans or peas – that would be far too big for these delicate flowers!
The Coating: Fuzzy or Smooth?
Some types of mum seeds have a fuzzy, hairy outer coating. This fine layer of fuzz helps the seed travel through the wind to disperse. The fibers catch onto animals’ fur and clothing to spread the seeds far and wide.
Other mum seeds have smooth, bare surfaces without these fuzzy fibers. Both types will grow equally well, so the coating is simply an adaptation some varieties have developed for better dispersion.
Fuzzy or bare, the seed coat protects the inner embryo and gives it the best chance at taking root.
What’s Inside: Embryo and Endosperm
If you were to slice a mum seed in half (which would be hard to do due to their tiny size!), you’d see two key structures inside:
The Embryo: This is the nascent plant itself, containing a miniature root, stem, and first leaves. When the seed is planted and germinates, the embryo emerges and forms the seedling plant.
The Endosperm: The endosperm provides stored food for the embryo as it germinates and starts to grow. It nourishes the baby plant until the leaves can begin photosynthesis and make food on their own.
So even though mum seeds are tiny, they hold the amazing capacity to turn into a vibrant, colorful blooming plant! Those small black ovals contain everything needed to start the growing process.
Germination Differences Between Varieties
While all mum seeds hold an embryo and endosperm, their germination can differ based on variety. Here are the key differences:
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Standard mums will germinate within 5-15 days of sowing, emerging as little green seedlings.
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Belgian mums take a bit longer to germinate, around 2-3 weeks. But once sprouted, they catch up in size to standard mums.
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Perennial mums can take an extended time to germinate, sometimes 4-6 weeks! But don’t give up on them – their slow emergence is normal.
So if you plant a mix of mum varieties, don’t be concerned if some sprout much quicker than others. The slower seeds just need a bit more time.
Effects of Light, Water, and Temperature
Getting mum seeds to germinate takes more than just planting them in soil. Proper light exposure, watering, and temperature control help maximize your germination rates.
Light: Seeds should be covered lightly with soil, not buried too deep. Some light can penetrate the soil to reach them, which benefits germination. But avoid direct light exposure at this stage.
Water: Keep seeds moist, but not soaked. Adequate water softens the seed coat so the radical can emerge. But overwatering can rot the seed.
Temperature: Aim for a moderate 60-70°F. Too cold will stall germination; too hot can cook the seed. Place pots or trays in a bright spot without direct sunlight.
Meeting these conditions will spur your mum seeds to sprout successfully and grow into gorgeous blooming plants!
Storing Mum Seeds Properly
If you don’t use up an entire mum seed packet, proper storage is a must. Here are a few tips:
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Place leftover seeds in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Squeeze excess air out before sealing.
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Store the container in a cool, dry spot around 40°F. The refrigerator is perfect, if space allows.
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Add a silica gel pack to the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.
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Avoid direct sunlight exposure, which can degrade the seeds. A dark cabinet is ideal.
Follow these guidelines and your mum seeds will remain viable for 2-3 years. Always do a germination test on older seeds by sprouting a few, since their viability does decline over time.
Ready to See Those Seeds Sprout?
Part of the fun with flowers like mums is starting them yourself from seed, rather than buying potted plants from the nursery. There’s something satisfying about nurturing those tiny seedlings into a burst of autumn color.
Now that you know what to expect from mum seeds and how to start them successfully, you’re ready for growing these garden favorites. Expect those oval, black embryos to produce fluffy double blooms, elegant daisy forms, and everything in between.
The best advice is to not overthink it – mum seeds want to grow if given their basic needs. Before you know it, those near-microscopic seeds will transform into a gorgeous fall flower display.
Sifting Mum seeds 1
FAQ
How do you get seeds from mums?
Do mums reseed themselves?
How do you identify a mum plant?
What do chrysanthemum seeds look like?
Chrysanthemum seeds are round or oval in shape and can come in many shades of brown, depending on the variety of mum. The seeds are so tiny that to make up one ounce you’ll need up to 45,000 mum seeds, according to HGTV. The texture of mum seeds can also range from hard and smooth to almost prune-like, depending on the variety.
How do mums ripen?
Mums are “seed spillers,” meaning the seed heads gradually ripen and break apart to spill the seeds on the ground rather than retaining them or ejecting them like other plants tend to do. The seed heads ripen on the lower part of the stem first, and then later, the top seed heads will ripen.
What should I look for when buying mum seeds?
High-quality seeds ensure healthy and robust plants that will thrive in your garden. When purchasing mum seeds, look for reputable seed suppliers or nurseries. They should provide detailed information about the seeds, including the variety, germination rate, and any special care instructions.
Do mum seeds germinate reliably?
However, many hardy garden mums have seeds that germinate reliably. When selecting mum seeds, look for varieties labeled as being grown from seed or specifically for the home garden. Avoid seeds of novelty varieties which may not come true from seed.
