Orange Mums

Question

My husband and I are in the process of buying a local nursery. They plant mums every year from seed. The last few years, (this year included), they have had an issue of only the orange mums dying. Any idea of what is going on?

Answer 1

I would examine the type of seed they are using. Is the orange seed coming from a different source than the other colors? There could be something different in the way the orange plants are grown. Do they get more water than the others?

I wonder if a certain pest is attracted to the color orange more so than other colors. Do you know what they die of? Is it pests or disease?

I did a little research, and apparently, this is not a common problem. These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/troubleshooting-seedling-issues.htm

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2069/2013/05/04-21-2011-Why-Did-My-Seedling-Die-_This-Weeks-Garden_.pdf