Don't throw your store bought Mums away. Plant them instead!
Planting and growing chrysanthemums (mums) is relatively easy, and with the right care, they can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plant and grow mums:
Choose the right variety by reading the plant tag in the pot
Winter Care
Common Problems:
Choose the right variety by reading the plant tag in the pot
- Perennial Mums: These can survive cold winters and return year after year, which is ideal for most gardens.
- Annual Mums: They are typically grown for one season and are not winter-hardy.
- Mums need 6 hours of sunlight each day for the best bloom production.
- Soil: They prefer well-draining soil. If your soil retains water, amend it with organic matter such as a rich compost.
- Plant in early spring for best results, although you can also plant in the fall about a month before first freeze to let their roots get established.
- Space mums 18-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, to allow for good air circulation and prevent disease.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot, and cover with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
- Mums prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out, but also not allowing them to sit in waterlogged soil.
- Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent encouraging late-season growth, which could weaken the plant for winter.
- Pinch off blooms at the tips of stems to encourage bushy growth and more blooms next year.
- Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep roots cool, and prevent weeds. Use organic mulches like straw, bark, or leaves.
- Remove spent blooms regularly to promote more flowers and keep the plant looking neat.
Winter Care
- After the first frost, cut back the plant to about 6 inches above the ground. It is important to cover with a thick layer of mulch or straw to protect the roots during the winter.
- Dividing Mums - every 2-3 years, divide your mums in early spring to keep them healthy and productive. Dig up the entire plant, split the root ball into several sections, and replant the divisions.
Common Problems:
- Powdery Mildew: Caused by overcrowding and poor air circulation. Avoid watering from above.
- Aphids or Spider Mites: Check for pests regularly and use insecticidal soap if necessary.