Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are popular fall-blooming flowers that add a splash of color to any garden or home. With proper care, mums can thrive both indoors and outdoors, providing you with beautiful blooms for weeks on end. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your mums:
Outdoor Care
Planting:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the mum in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering:
- Water mums regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize mums every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants.
Mulching:
- Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Deadheading:
- Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
- Cut the stems back to the next set of leaves.
Indoor Care
Light:
- Place indoor mums in a bright, sunny location.
- They need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- If natural light is insufficient, supplement with artificial lighting.
Watering:
- Water indoor mums when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize indoor mums every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for indoor plants.
Humidity:
- Mums prefer high humidity.
- Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Repotting:
- Repot indoor mums every 2-3 years or when they become rootbound.
- Use a potting mix specifically formulated for flowering plants.
General Care Tips
Pests and Diseases:
- Mums are susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
- Treat infestations promptly with appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Overwintering:
- In cold climates, overwinter mums by digging them up and storing them in a cool, dark place.
- Cut back the stems to about 6 inches and remove any dead or diseased leaves.
- Wrap the roots in newspaper or burlap and store in a box filled with peat moss or vermiculite.
Dividing:
- Divide mums every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Dig up the plants in spring and carefully separate the clumps.
- Replant the divisions in well-drained soil.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy beautiful, blooming mums both indoors and outdoors for many seasons to come.
