Do I Need Potting Soil to Plant Mums in Ground?

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are popular fall-blooming flowers that add a burst of color to any garden. If you're planning to plant mums in your garden this season, you may be wondering whether you need potting soil or not. Let's take a closer look at the matter.

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil, also known as soilless mix, is a type of soil that is specially formulated to provide plants with the nutrients and moisture they need to grow. Unlike regular soil, potting soil does not contain any dirt or sand, but instead, it's made up of a mixture of peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, and other organic materials. Potting soil is typically used in container gardening because it's lightweight and provides excellent drainage, but it can also be used in ground planting under certain circumstances.

Do You Need Potting Soil to Plant Mums in Ground?

In most cases, you don't need to use potting soil to plant mums in ground. As a matter of fact, using potting soil in ground planting may do more harm than good. That's because potting soil is not meant to be used as an amendment for garden soil, and it can change the pH and structure of the soil, which can have negative effects on the health of your plants in the long run.

What Type of Soil is Best for Mums?

The type of soil that is best for mums is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Mums prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. If your garden soil is heavy and clay-like, you may need to amend it with compost, peat moss, or other organic materials to improve its drainage and structure before planting your mums.

Tips for Planting Mums in Ground

Now that you know that you don't need potting soil to plant mums in ground, let's go over some tips for successfully planting mums in your garden:

Choose a location with full sun exposure, where your mums will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Ensure that the soil is well-draining by adding compost or other organic materials if necessary.

Plant your mums at the same depth they were in their nursery pots, and space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

Water your mums regularly, making sure not to overwater them or let them dry out completely. A deep watering once a week is usually sufficient.

Fertilize your mums with a balanced fertilizer in late spring and early summer, but avoid fertilizing them in the fall or winter, as this can promote new growth that will not have time to harden off before frost.

By following these tips, you'll be able to plant your mums in ground without the need for potting soil, and enjoy their beautiful blooms throughout the fall season.