Quill petals straight, long and tubular. Plants tend to bloom earlier and generally are smaller in western than in eastern Nebraska. Visiting garden centers, parks and gardens in your vicinity will give you good information on cultivar selection. Site Selection Chrysanthemums generally grow well in any soil capable of producing a good crop of vegetables or turf. They grow in poorer soils if ample nutrients and organic matter are incorporated.
Mums require well-drained soils because of their relatively shallow root system.
Depressions that might collect water should be leveled. Mums develop best where they receive full sun all day. Avoid planting in areas where there will be competition with trees for light and water. Soil Preparation Spading soil to a depth of eight to 12 inches before planting provides favorable conditions for chrysanthemum growth by improving soil aeration and reducing soil compaction. Adding organic materials such as well-rotted manure, leaf mold or peat moss improves the soil structure and the water holding capacity of the soil.