Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a beautiful and hardy addition to any garden. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them the perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. They also come back again and again. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow mums in your own garden.
When it comes to choosing the right location for your mums, it’s important to keep in mind that they prefer well-drained soil and a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This means that a spot in your garden that receives plenty of morning sun, but is shaded during the hottest part of the day, is ideal. If you’re planting in a container, make sure it has drainage holes and use a high-quality potting soil.
The best time to plant mums is in the spring, after the last frost. This will give the plants plenty of time to establish a strong root system before the hot summer months. If you’re planting in a container, you can do it any time of the year as long as you keep the soil moist.
Once you’ve planted your mums, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mums are drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is important for optimal growth and blooming. A good rule of thumb is to water your mums once a week, and more frequently during hot, dry spells.
In addition to watering, it’s important to fertilize your mums every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the plants with the necessary nutrients to grow strong and produce plenty of blooms.
Another important aspect of growing mums is deadheading. This simply means removing spent blooms from the plant. By doing this, you’ll be encouraging your mums to produce more flowers. It’s a simple process, just simply snip or pinch off the spent blooms.
Mums are relatively pest-free, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids. If you notice any pests, spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. This will help to keep the pests under control without harming your mums.
Mums are perennials, which means they will come back year after year. However, if you live in a cold climate, you can bring your mums inside for the winter and enjoy them as houseplants. To do this, simply cut the plants back to about 6 inches and place them in a sunny window. They’ll continue to grow and bloom indoors.
One of the best things about mums is how versatile they are. You can plant them in a variety of colors and arrange them in different ways. You can even try different shapes of mums like daisy, button, spoon, anemone and many more. They are perfect for planting in gardens, as borders, in pots and even in window boxes. You can experiment with different color combinations and arrangements to create a unique and eye-catching display.
When it comes to taking care of your mums, it’s important to remember that they are hardy plants that are easy to grow. With a little bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy these beautiful flowers for years to come. Remember to deadhead, fertilize, and protect your mums from pests, and have fun experimenting with different colors and shapes. Happy gardening!
In addition to the tips and tricks mentioned above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when growing mums. For example, it’s important to prune your mums regularly to promote bushier growth and more flowers. This can be done by cutting back the stems by about one-third in the spring and again in mid-summer.
Another important aspect of growing mums is to stake them if they are tall. This will help to prevent them from falling over in windy weather, and will also give them a more attractive appearance. Simply use garden stakes or bamboo poles and tie the stems to the stakes with soft gardening twine.
Another great tip for growing mums is to divide them every 3-4 years. This will help to keep the plants healthy and promote more blooms. To divide mums, simply dig up the entire plant, and use a sharp knife or garden spade to divide it into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one strong bud or shoot. Replant the sections in the same location or in a new location.
In conclusion, mums are a great choice for any gardener, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener. They are hardy, colorful, and easy to grow. With a little bit of care, you’ll be able to enjoy these beautiful flowers for years to come. Remember to choose the right location, plant at the right time, keep the soil moist, fertilize regularly, deadhead, protect from pests, and bring them inside if you live in a cold climate. Additionally, prune, stake and divide them regularly, will help you to have a vibrant and healthy garden. Happy gardening!
