How to Plant a Potted Mum Outside

Mums are a beautiful addition to any garden or porch area, with their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. If you have purchased a potted mum and are wondering how to plant it outside, keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Mums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day and has soil that isn't too wet. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Before planting your mum, prepare the soil by pulling out any weeds or rocks and loosening the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, mix in some well-composted manure or a slow-release fertilizer to give your plant a healthy start.

Step 3: Remove the Plant from the Pot

Carefully remove your potted mum from its plastic container. If it's difficult to remove, you can cut away the plastic without harming the plant. Gently loosen the roots if they are tightly packed, taking care not to break them.

Step 4: Plant the Mum

Place the mum in the hole you've dug, making sure to position it so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with the soil that you dug out, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water your new transplant thoroughly.

Step 5: Care for Your Mum

Water your newly planted mum regularly to keep the soil moist. During the growing season, you may need to fertilize your plant every two to four weeks to keep it healthy and promote blooming. You may also need to pinch back the stem tips to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Conclusion

With a little bit of planning and some care, planting a potted mum outside is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting blooms throughout the fall season.