I rescued a small young chrysanthemum plant that was thrown away, brought it inside and now see that it has aphids. I have segregated it from my other houseplants and want to get rid of the aphids NOW! I can see that they are sapping the life from this little one. Suggestions? I will go put it under running water over the toilet as a start. Thought about dusting it with something from the kitchen: flour? baking soda?
We have found neem oil to be an effective treatment for aphids. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
When and how do I prune a mum?
This article should help you with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm
Do I cut off the old growth from last year? The mums are beginning to come out of the ground now. Thanks.
Yes, if you are beginning to see new growth, go ahead and cut back the old foliage. Stems of the mums are pruned back to 3-4 inches above the ground.
My fall mums are growing new shoots due the warm winter. How to nurture until fall?
This article should be of some help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/growing-chrysanthemum-flowers.htm
When should I prune back mums? Thanks.
Usually, these plants are cut back in the fall following a few frosts. Stems of the mums are pruned back to 3-4 inches above the ground. New growth appears from this in spring. If you were not able to cut the plant back in fall, you can do so now if there is still old, dead growth present. I would not trim off the new green growth.
Many times I have tried growing a mum plant. Once I tried putting cow dung in that plant. Can you please help as to how to grow mum plant. How much sunlight does it need and also tell me about manure for hibiscus plant.
Manure should not be applied straight into the soil. It should be composted first to help cool the nitrogen in the manure. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm
These articles should help you with the mums and hibiscus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/growing-chrysanthemum-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm
I have two mums in pots. Can I keep them indoors through the winter months?
First consideration is whether you have garden mums, or florist mums. The florist mums have less chance of making it, but there's no reason you can't try. With either type, you'll probably want to cut them back and winter in a cool place - usually there's not enough light to keep them flowering, and besides that they'll probably do better with a winter's sleep. Here are a couple of articles you should find informative: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/growing-chrysanthemum-flowers.htm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/flowers/rosy-glow-mum/