5. Fertilize for More Flowers
Mums, like many flowering plants, benefit from regular feeding, especially when they’re actively growing. To keep your mums blooming longer, provide them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- When to Fertilize: Start fertilizing in early spring when you see new growth and continue until midsummer. By fall, reduce feeding so the plant can focus on blooming and preparing for dormancy.
- What to Use: A balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 is ideal. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer and fall, as these promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
6. Provide Proper Sunlight
Mums are sun-loving plants, and they need plenty of sunlight to produce their best blooms. Ensure your mums are getting at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If they’re in pots, move them to a sunny spot as the days shorten.
- Why Sunlight Matters: Lack of sunlight can cause your mums to become leggy, with fewer and smaller blooms. Adequate sunlight ensures they stay compact and covered in flowers.
7. Protecting Mums from Frost
As the temperatures start to dip, you’ll need to protect your mums from the frost, which can damage the delicate blooms. Here’s how to do it:
- Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around the base of your mums will help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Covering: If frost is expected, you can cover your mums with a cloth or plastic sheet overnight to protect the blooms. Remove the cover in the morning once the temperatures rise.
8. How to Winter Over Your Mums
If you want your mums to return next year, winterizing them properly is crucial. Follow these steps:
- After Blooming: Once the blooms have faded, cut the stems back to about 3-4 inches above the ground. Leave the foliage in place until spring, as it helps protect the roots from winter damage.
- Mulch for Winter Protection: In late fall, after the ground has started to cool, add a thick layer of mulch (about 4-6 inches) over the base of the plant. This will insulate the roots and protect them from freezing.
- Spring Revival: When spring arrives, remove the mulch and look for new growth. Once you see it, start watering and feeding your mums to encourage fresh blooms for the next season.
9. Dividing Mums for Healthier Growth
Every few years, your mums will benefit from being divided to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy blooms.
- When to Divide: The best time to divide mums is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge.
- How to Divide: Dig up the entire plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. Replant these sections in well-drained soil, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
Conclusion
With the right care, your mums can continue blooming long after Halloween and even come back for a glorious show next year. By deadheading, watering properly, and winterizing them correctly, you can enjoy these fall beauties for many seasons to come. Give your mums the attention they deserve, and they’ll reward you with vibrant, long-lasting blooms year after year.
