How to Care for Mums
Mum plants are one of the most popular plants, especially for fall, and as the weather cools, we begin to see more and more mums! The long-lasting mum plant comes in many varieties and colors, and often makes the perfect outside decoration to spice up one’s home!
About Mums
Mums are short for “chrysanthemums” and have also been called “chrysanths.” Originating from Asia and Northeast Europe, there are countless varieties in the chrysanthemum family, usually differentiating themselves by their petals. For example, spider mums have curly petals while fuji mums have long straight petals.
Buy Mum Plants in Budding Stage
When buying mums, people have a tendency to buy them in full bloom for the full color. However, this is actually not the best time to buy mums. For the most longevity out of your mums, it is actually best to buy them in the budding stage. In time, the buds will bloom into larger flowers.
Watering Mums
When flowering, mum plants, as well as other blooming plants, require extra water for the energy they are exerting, so make sure your mums are well hydrated to bloom to their full potential.
Maintenance & When to Plant Mums
If your plant is put outside and survives the winter, it should be shaped and pruned down. This will increase the number of flowers, and add to the blooming appearance of the plant. The best time to do this is around the first of July. If left untrimmed, the plant will bloom early by the end of the summer.
Mums Make a Perfect Long-Lasting Gift
Mum plants make great long-lasting gifts because even after the blooms are gone, can be planted outside anytime before a hard frost (depending on your climate), ready to rebloom in the fall!
As published on 1800flowers.com