GROWING GARDEN MUMS

Garden mums are one of the most spectacular blooming plants for Fall. They come in a large selection of colors and variety. Some mums bloom early Fall while others bloom medium to late Fall. Mums may be planted in Spring, late Summer or Fall, and will grow in areas receiving a half to a full day of sun. To keep mums short and bushy, pinch (prune back) your mums often to keep their growing height 12 inches. Make your final pinch no later than August 15. Mums respond well to fertilizer. Just follow the directions as to how much and how often.

Winter hardiness or getting your mums to survive their first winter depends on you.

Do not mulch your newly planted mums too soon. Wait until the ground freezes (approx. Jan. 1) and then mulch with leaves, compost, bark, or any other suitable mulch to keep the ground frozen. Failing to properly mulch can cause your mums to heave out of the ground, thus freezing the roots. (If this should occur, simply step on the plant and push it back in the ground.) You can cut the dead leaves and stems off your mums at ground level either in the later Fall or early Spring.

Mums are actually a very low maintenance plant. They are drought resistant and resistant to most bugs and disease.

You can also place mums in containers for fall enjoyment, but be sure to replant in the ground before winter.