How to Care for Mums
Mums, also known as Chrysanthemums, are a vibrant, colorful flowering plant that can make a cheerful addition to any garden. As popular cut flowers, mums also make a lovely gift and brighten up your indoor space when brought indoors. Taking good care of mums will ensure you can enjoy them for a long time.
Watering and Fertilizing Requirements
Mums do not need an abundance of water, but it is important to keep their soil moist. An important tip for watering is to avoid wetting the foliage as this can cause disease and fungal problems. Water thoroughly and ensure the ground doesn’t dry out. Fertilize your mums every three to four weeks throughout the growing season with a liquid or slow releasing fertilizer.
Pruning and Deadheading
By pruning regularly, mums stay healthy and full. When pruning, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged stems. Deadheading is also important when mums are in bloom. Deadheading is when you remove the spent flower heads from the stem. This will promote the growth of new flowers.
Additional Tips for Caring for Mums
- Provide Support. Mums can become floppy which can affect the appearance of your plant. Use a garden stake or trellis to provide them with support.
- Watch for Pests. Keep a lookout for Japanese beetles, aphids or slugs and treat them with the appropriate insecticide or pesticide.
- Provide Sunlight. Mums will thrive in full sun, but will also do okay in partial shade.
- Avoid Overcrowding. Make sure your mums have breathing room and do not crowd them too close together.
By learning how to take care of mums, you’ll be sure to enjoy their beauty for many seasons. If you follow the simple tips outlined above, your mums will stay healthy and last for a long time.
