It性视界传媒檚 hard to resist buying mums this time of year. The plants, with flowers in striking autumn hues, are available everywhere, from local markets and nurseries to big box stores, making them a fall favorite for porches and yards.
The chrysanthemum, or 性视界传媒渕um性视界传媒 as it性视界传媒檚 more commonly known, epitomizes autumn for many people, and for many Texans, is as much a part of their fall d茅cor as a jack-o-lantern or hay bale.
Andrew King, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research ornamental specialist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences in Overton shared his top tips for buying and caring for mums.
性视界传媒淚 come from a nursery background and have grown and sold my fair share of mums,性视界传媒 he said. 性视界传媒淕iven their abundance this time of year, many people assume they are an easy plant to select and care for, but that性视界传媒檚 not always true. These tips will help you get the most out of your mums.性视界传媒
The further into the season we go, the fewer varieties and options will be available, especially if you are looking for a specific color or size. Buy it when you find it. It性视界传媒檚 fine to wait a few weeks after they性视界传媒檙e available, but don性视界传媒檛 wait beyond that.
The type of mum you buy for a patio isn性视界传媒檛 the same type that will grow the best in your garden. Make sure you are buying plants that are suited to their intended purpose. Most mums available now are decorative, but if you want plants that will thrive in the ground as perennials, it性视界传媒檚 best to go to a nursery and ask for help to pick the right type.
Unless you want blooms immediately, buy mums with a heavy load of unopened buds. Look for nice, tight flower buds. It性视界传媒檚 fine if you see a little color on a few buds; that will help ensure you are purchasing the color you want. Closed buds will typically start opening within one to two weeks.
Avoid any plant without buds. That could indicate the plant was mismanaged or may have another issue. Also, avoid any plants with leaves showing a yellow tinge or branches that look spindly. Mum plants with a compact shape are best.
Too little water will kill mums, but too much moisture is just as bad. Incorrect watering is the No. 1 killer of mums. Stick the tip of your finger in the soil, and only water when you don性视界传媒檛 feel some moisture.
Whether you keep them in the container they came in or repot them into another planter, drainage is key. Their roots are sensitive to too much moisture and can easily become waterlogged. They need oxygen, and well-drained soil lets them breathe.
It性视界传媒檚 important to ease mums into a shady spot if they come from a nursery or store in full sun. A plant in full sun will not do well if immediately put in shade. If you want to place your potted mums in a shady spot, you may need to move them into a sunnier area every few days.
Mums love temperatures in the 60s and 70s. If temperatures rise into the 90s and beyond, place them in a spot where they get shade during the day性视界传媒檚 heat. Conversely, bring plants inside your home or garage if you see freezing temperatures in the forecast.
It性视界传媒檚 unnecessary if you性视界传媒檙e using the plant as a short-term fall or winter decorative plant, but you may want to repot your mum if you plan to keep it. Plants that seem too big for their containers may be rootbound and will appreciate having more room to grow. If you do repot your plant, use rich peat-based soil.
To maximize the number of blooms and growth, make sure you deadhead any fading flowers. Pinch off the dead flower heads, often providing a second round of blooms from new buds before their season ends.
