How to Plant Mums from a Pot
Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are both beautiful and easy to care for. An excellent way to add color and variety to your garden, mums are best planted in the fall to ensure they bloom beautifully in the following year. Here's how you can plant mums from a pot:
1. Choose Your Mums
The first step in planting your mums is to choose the pots you want to plant them in. There are many different varieties of mums, each with unique colors, shapes, and sizes. Select a pot that is the appropriate size for the mum and one that has enough drainage holes to allow water to pass through easily. When selecting your pet mum plant, look for one that has healthy-looking leaves and is free of pests or disease.
2. Plant Your Mums
The next step is to plant your mums. To begin, fill your planter with a good quality potting soil, leaving enough room at the top for the mum plant to sit comfortably. Once you have filled the pot with soil, it's time to transfer your mum plant. To do this, gently remove the mum from its original pot and tease apart the roots a bit. Then, place the mum in the new pot, making sure it sits at the same depth as it was in the original pot. Gently fill the pot with soil, pressing it down to ensure there are no air pockets.
3. Water Your Mums
Once your mums are planted, you'll need to water them regularly. Don't let the soil dry out completely but also make sure that the soil is not soggy. The best way to water your mums is to use a watering can or hose nozzle that will be gentle on the plant. Aim the water at the soil, rather than the foliage, to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause disease. Mums generally like well-draining soil and prefer to dry out between watering sessions, so be mindful not to overwater.
4. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Mums like sunny or partly sunny locations, so make sure you place your potted plant in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight. If you notice the leaves on your mums turning yellow or brown, it's likely due to a lack of sunlight, so move your potted plant to a location where it receives more sun.
5. Fertilize
To ensure your mums grow strong and healthy, you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, following the instructions provided on the packaging. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower buds.
Conclusion
Planting mums from a pot can be a fun and rewarding experience. By selecting the right pot, planting your mums correctly, and providing adequate care, you can ensure that your mums will thrive and provide beautiful autumnal displays year after year. Happy planting!