Mums

By Mary Jo Baur


To continue about the subject of how to keep mums returning year after year, I recently read a flyer from Rainbow Mums of Carlisle which offered the following suggestions.  Research indicates that leaving the dead flowers on the plant all winter long will help it to survive. The tops will catch leaves and create a protective microclimate close to the ground.  They advise you NOT to cut back mum plants in the fall as it may be harmful and spoil chances that the plant will survive the winter.  This is the first time I have heard this advice and plan to follow it this year.

In the spring, look for signs of growth at or near the base of the plant.  When you see signs of new life, then you can cut off the dead stems from the previous season.  In June, fertilize your plants with Osmocote and cut them back to half of their height.  This is all the pinching back your mums should need.  If you want your mums to flower later then mid September, then pinch back the buds two inches on July 15.  So, timing is everything in caring for mums and getting them to bloom when you would like.