No matter where you bought your Mums, Marc Britton with Epic's Harvest program has given some advice to take care and get the best out of your Mums.
If you plan to keep your Mums in a planter outside, you should be aware that these hardy plants will not survive over the winter. This is due to the fluctuations in temperatures in January and February. These fluctuations cause the plants to dry out. Additionally, Mums are not the best house plant because they need the cold period to rest.
For Mums to survive the winter they need to be planted in a well draining (sandy) soil. Preferably located in an area that receives 5 or more hours of direct sunlight and covered with 2 to 3 inches of organic Mulch.
For bigger blooms it is best to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. You can determine the amount of phosphorus in your fertilizer by reading the back of the bag. All bags are marked with three numbers. The first number represents the amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer, this helps with the amount of greenery in the plants. The second number represents the amount of phosphorus in the fertilizer, it promotes steam growth and blooms. The last number represents the amount of potash the fertilizer contains. Potash ensures that plants get enough potassium to maintain functions like synthesizing plant sugars.
If you are looking for Mums to add to your garden EP!C is still selling Mums. Please give Marc Britton with EP!C Harvest a call, at 309-689-3706.
