The chrysanthemum (or "mum" for short), is the traditional flower of fall, having been grown and prized by people for a longer period of time than have most domesticated plants.  The Chinese were growing it 2000 years ago and in Japan, where it is the national flower, its cultivation goes back at least 1000 years.

Introduced into Holland in 1688, by the 18th century mums were being grown in France and England.  Widespread cultivation in Europe began in the 19th century when nurseries started to specialize in growing varieties developed by hybridization and importation from the Orient.  Their introduction into America is lost in history, but mums were apparently grown here not long after they became popular in Europe.  By the time the Massachusetts Horticultural Society was incorporated in 1829, there were at least 17 varieties recognized in the United States.  Grown as hardy outdoor plants until the mid-1800's, the development of glass greenhouses allowed for the culture of non-hardy mums, too.  They came to be known as florist mums, grown for cut flowers and later as potted plants.  While there are many categories of chrysanthemums today, in our area one is likely to encounter either florist's mums or hardy garden mums.  Mums are so popular that they are grown for sale 12 months of the year; they aren't just for autumn any longer. 

Mums are easy to grow.  They root readily from cuttings, and large plants can be dug up and divided.  However, in order to grow the high quality plants found in florists and garden centers, a few basic horticultural principles must be followed.