HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Chrysanthemums, more commonly known as ‘mums’ have made their way back for the fall season, not only as a staple piece of fall decor but as an increase in revenue sources for area businesses.
For Massanutten Produce, mums have become a leading contribution to their seasonal success along with seasonal fruits like apples and pumpkins.
One of the owners of Massanutten Produce, Edith Showalter, said that they have been in business since 2005 and have continued to add over the years. She said the business is usually open from mid April to Thanksgiving providing what is in season.
“We specialize in local grown, as local as possible, in the fall we typically focus on local apples mums, pumpkins, gourds, all the fun fall things,” Showalter said.
Showalter said Massanutten Produce typically sells a lot of mums in the fall, adding that these plants are big sellers as they are able to withstand cooler temperature.
“Most of your summer flowers are going to freeze at 32 degrees,” she said. “Mums can handle down to around 28 degree, so they can handle a little bit more cold than some things do,” she said “they are just a really pretty fall flower when all of your summer flowers have died out.”
She said that the mums they sell are perennials, meaning they come back year after year.
“You just want to plant them in time that they can get established in the ground, so the ground protects the roots and they come back next year.” Showlater said.
She explained that for these plants she encourages watering them everyday, as well as placing them in the sun for at least 6 hours.
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