Mums, or chrysanthemums are probably among the most popular flowers for gardeners due to their colours and long-flowering period. Though they may be thought of as fall flowers, spring care plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms later in the season. Whether you’re reviving last year’s mums or planting new ones, here is a full guide to ensure they thrive in your garden.

Understanding Mums: Perennials vs. Annuals

Before beginning with spring care, you will need to decide whether your mums are annuals or perennials. Hardy mums, also referred to as perennial mums, will survive the winter and regrow every year if cared for appropriately. Annual mums are those sold during the fall, as they aren’t designed to last through cold winter months. Annual mums don’t typically return in the spring. If you planted mums last fall and they are back this spring, they were perennials.

Spring Care of overwintered Mums

Overwintered Mums would surely start their fresh growth in springs as soon as the weather rises. Care it this way;

1. Analyze winter damages

First things first check which stems are already dead. In addition remove old brownish dead leaves making away for fresh.

2. Prune and Cut

1. Once you see new green shoots emerging from the base, cut off the dead stems from the previous year.
2. Pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

3. Divide If Necessary

1. If your mums have been in the same spot for more than three years, consider dividing them.
2. Dig up the plant, separate the roots into smaller sections, and replant them to encourage better growth.

Planting New Mums in Spring

If you’re starting fresh with new mums, follow these steps to ensure they establish well:

1. Choose the Right Location

1. Mums thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Select well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

2. Prepare the Soil

1. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
2. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

3. Planting Depth and Spacing

1. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball.
2. Put the plant in the hole, leaving the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Plant them approximately 18 inches apart to let air circulate around them properly.

Watering and Fertilizing Mums in Spring

Hydration and nutrition are essentials for healthy mums.

1. Watering

1. Water well once a week so that the soil is always moist but never soggy.
2. Do not overhead water to avoid fungal diseases.

2. Fertilizing

1. Distribute a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring in order to provide substantial root development.
2. Switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer at the end of spring to induce flowering.

Pinching Mums for Fuller Growth

1. Pinching is the most crucial care process for mums during spring.

How to Pinch Mums

1. When the plant is approximately 6 inches tall, pinch off the top 1-2 inches of each stem.
2. Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks until mid-July.
3. Pinching induces fuller plants with more flowers in the fall.

Pest and Disease Management

Mums are relatively low-maintenance but still susceptible to pests and diseases.

Common Pests

1. Aphids: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: Maintain humidity and a blast of water to knock them off.
3. Caterpillars: Pick them off by hand or apply organic pesticides.

Common Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: Facilitate adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
2. Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and grow in well-draining soil.

Mulching and Weed Control

1. Mulch application around the base of the plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
2. Use of organic mulch such as straw or bark chips to increase soil health.

Summer and Fall Bloom Preparation

1. Water and fertilize regularly through the summer.
2. Avoid thorough drying out of soil.
3. Stop pinching in mid-July to allow flower buds to form for fall blooms.

Conclusion

Care in the spring helps set the foundation for a fantastic fall display. Prune, water, feed, and take care of pest issues, and your mums will grow healthy and produce tons of gorgeous flowers. With these tips, you can enjoy vibrant and healthy chrysanthemums year in and year out.