chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum 'Jessica' should be watered every 7 to 10 days, even more often in summer when temperatures are high. The amount of water each time should be enough so the soil feels damp but not soggy. If the soil is dry 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface, water until the soil is wet down to that depth. It is best to avoid over-watering by only applying the amount the plant needs.

Chrysanthemum 'Jessica' should be grown in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and 4 - 5 hours of indirect sunlight per day. During the summer months, the plant should receive full sun all day, while in the winter it should receive full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon. The best time to introduce this plant to direct sun is in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler. Additionally, this species should be protected from strong winds to prevent damage to the delicate flowers.

Chrysanthemum 'Jessica' should be pruned shortly after flowering (about mid-summer), cutting back the previous year's growth to help maintain a neat and compact habit. After pruning, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer and do not over-fertilize as this may encourage too much vegetative growth. Pruning will help promote more upright stems and flowers on the mums for the following season. For a light pruning, cut about 1-third of the new shoots back to the main stems. This will prevent leggy, unsightly plants with lower flowering potential. For a more severe pruning, cut back all new shoots to the main stems, giving the plant an overall shape similar to a soccer ball. This method works best for mums grown for a single large flower display.