1- Choose the area of your garden where you wish to plant mums. Mums are beautiful when they line a sidewalk entrance to your home. In the fall you will be able to find mum plants at many local stores, Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other major chains sell these colorful flowers. You may also purchase mums from your local growers. Plant mums in the morning. That way the newly planted mums will have a full day of sunlight. Ensure that that there is good drainage for your plants to survive during the winter months.
2- Mums may also be used as a decorative accent to your porch. When using the plants in containers, remember that the potted mums need to be watered every other day.
3- Newly planted mums should be watered at least three times a week. If you have established mums, these do not require additional watering unless there is a drought, normal rainfall should be sufficient for the welfare of your mums.
4- Fertilizing should be accomplished every month. The soil of the plants should be fertilized with a general purpose fertilzer and top dressed with compost. Fertilizers may be purchased from local stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot or Lowe's, follow the directions on the back of the fertilizer bag. When planting in the fall the mums usually do not require fertilization, however it is wise to look at the plant regularly, if the new plant looks weak, add a liquid fertilizer like Miracle Gro.
5- Pinch back the mums starting in the spring and continue through the summer months. Pinching will encourage branching and the development of bushy plants. Monitor the growth of the branches, when the new growth on the branch reaches approximately six inches, pinch half off of every branch. Take the branch between your fingers and break off around half, or you can use a small shear to cut the branch. Allow the plant to grow another five to six inches before you repeat the pinching.
6- Cease pinching as the summer ends because the plant will slow it's growth. The mums will start to develop flower heads near the end of the summer. The mums should start to show new blooms starting near the end of August and flowers should last until late November.
7- In late November or early December, before the first frost approaches make sure that the soil is very moist. Use mulch or straw around the plant roots to protect the plant bulb through the winter months. In the spring remove the dead mum material and mulch that you put down in November. Replace the old mulch with a hardwood or cypress mulch when the mum begins to show new growth .
