The Basics Of How To Care For Mums
Chrysanthemums bloom in all their beauty among the cozy, golden colors of autumn. Growing in different varieties and sizes, they add touches of colors to the season of Trick-or-Treats and falling leaves. This makes this flower a staple gift for loved ones. But when you find yourself with one and without a single knowledge of how to care for mums, you're probably thinking how in the plant world can you get yourself to keep even one bud alive?
Chrysanthemum care is as easy as pie. All it really takes is proper timing in planting, the right location and some tender, loving care from you. When planting mums, give them a good 6 weeks – before the first frost appears – to grow and establish their roots. Plant them in a well-drained spot where the soil is constantly moist, but not soggy, and where they are sure to get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Be sure that it's “sun” light, since artificial lighting can wreak havoc on the mums' natural bloom cycle which calls for shorter days and longer nights. Also, do not keep these flowers all cramped up in one space. Give them room to breath, around 18-30 inches apart. This also prevents these plants from spreading diseases among themselves.
Mums have shallow roots they need to be watered regularly. Those that are planted directly on the ground can get by with natural rain, although extra watering is needed during dry days. But newly planted mums need to be watered at least twice per week. It may also help to add in a little fertilizer to the soil, especially if you're planting during spring.
A typical chrysanthemum catalog places mums under three categories: early, midseason and late. Meaning, some mums develop earlier than other plants. Pinching, or cutting off a bit of the plant is recommended to grow bushier plants. Cut back about an inch of the stem up to the next few leaves as soon as the plant reaches about 6 inches in height. Doing so allows lateral branches to grow, which upon reaching 6 to 8 inches long will also be needing some pinching to induce more branch growth. Stop pinching during summer to allow time for blooming.
Disbudding is also important. This procedure involves cutting off some buds so that only one or two buds can develop on each stem. Those that are cut off are usually the lateral buds which, although they grow faster, do not develop with the same color intensity as terminal buds.
How to care for mums during winter? Simple: mulch the soil. Mulching keeps the soil's temperature uniform preventing the plant from experiencing alternate freezing and thawing, which can have serious effects on the plants. Place leaves or straw on the plants when the temperatures drop to ensure your plants' survival.
There will be possible problems with pests. Aphids, mites and some larvae can make a haven out of your plants, and cause them to grow abnormally, lose their color, dry up or die altogether. Figure out the pest first before using just any insecticide. Some may not even need chemical killers, rather they can be controlled through natural predators that feed on them.
When you know how to care for mums the right way, your world will literally never be gray. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, these plants can add a burst of color into the bleak colors of fall, and with your green thumb, even to the monochromatic color of winter.