Chrysanthemums – often referred to as mums – are a classic favorite fall plant. Mums are now available everywhere: grocery stores, box stores, hardware stores, and garden centers. They have arrived just in time to tune up the garden. where a few annuals are beginning to lose their luster. Purchase mums when they are budding rather than in full bloom.
Mums Need Water
Mums won’t wilt or show signs of drought until it is too late. If you leave your newly bought mums in their grower’s pot, be sure to give them water every day and fertilize once a week with 20-20-20 to keep your blooms going as long as possible. Even when fall brings cool and cloudy weather, mums remain thirsty.
Plant them in the Ground
To extend the life of your mums and have them blooming again next year, it is a good idea to plant them in the ground. Simply tip the potted mum on its side and slide it out of its pot. Water well before and immediately after planting. I place mine before planting at least for an hour in a large bucket, filled with water.
Plant Mums in Full Sun
Plant mums in good garden soil early in the fall. Garden mums are perennials, meaning they’ll succumb to frost, remain dormant through winter, and regrow in spring. Before the ground freezes, add a layer of wood mulch or leaves over and around the plant to provide insulation. Leave the plant stems intact, rather wait until spring to cut back the dry stems.
Early in spring, once the soil warms up, remove the mulch to reveal fresh new growth. In the garden, mums can be left alone and likely will bloom periodically through summer. But if you want a repeat performance of fall’s impressive bloom: Prune or pinch your plant once a month to between 7-10 cm. This pinching will start to form a tighter, more compact plant with strong branching which results in a fuller, stronger plant with more flowers. You should do your last prune around July 1st for early flowers, or July 15th for a more traditional fall flowering time.
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