Of course, mums are the quintessential fall flowers, bringing vibrant colors to gardens, porches, and patios. These hardy perennials are loved for their ability to bloom late in the season, brightening landscapes when most other plants have faded. But as your mums grow and thrive, you may wonder: can you split mums? The answer is a resounding yes! Dividing mums is a good way to refresh the plants, promote healthy growth, and even expand your garden. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about splitting mums.

Why Split Mums?

Dividing mums serves several purposes:

Encourages Vigorous Growth: Over time, mums can become overcrowded, leading to reduced blooms and weaker plants. Splitting them allows each division to access nutrients, water, and sunlight more effectively.

It helps prevent the spread of disease that fungi and other diseases bring when plants become overcrowded, due to the improved airflow after separating them.

Increases your garden: With each division, you can plant something elsewhere, increasing your mums in the garden or giving some as gifts to friends and family.

Saves Cost: Instead of a purchase of new ones, you can propagate your existing plants, therefore saving money while maintaining a lush garden.

When to Split Mums

Divide the mums at the right time, preferably during early spring, right when new growth is about to emerge. In this period, the plant comes out of its dormant stage, and recovery after the division will be very quick. Dividing the plants during spring allows the new plants enough growing season before flowering in fall.

While it is possible to divide mums in the fall, it’s less ideal because fall-divided mums may not have sufficient time to fully develop their roots before the first frost, which will stress the plants and make the survival of the mums less probable.

How to Split Mums: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Tools and Materials

1. A sharp spade or garden knife
2. Gardening gloves
3. Compost or organic matter
4. Watering can or garden hose

2. Choose the Right Day

Select a cool, overcast day to reduce stress on the plants. Avoid dividing mums during hot, sunny weather or when the soil is too dry.

3. Dig Up the Mums

1. Dig around the base of the mum plant with a spade, about 6-8 inches from the center.
2. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground, trying to get as much of the root ball as possible.

4. Separate the Root Ball

1. Remove as much soil as possible to expose the roots.
2. Identify the natural divisions of the root ball. Mums tend to grow in clusters, so it will be easier to separate them.
3. Use your hands, a sharp knife, or a spade to separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy portion of roots and several shoots or buds.

5. Prepare the New Planting Sites

1. Choose locations with well-draining soil and full sun.
2. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to provide nutrients for the new plants.
3. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of each division.

6. Plant the Divisions

1. Place each division into a prepared hole, ensuring the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is at soil level.
2. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

7. Water Thoroughly

1. Water the newly planted divisions immediately to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
2. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) during the first few weeks to encourage root establishment.

8. Mulch and Care

1. Monitor the plants for signs of stress and provide additional care as needed.
2. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Post-Division Care

After dividing and re-planting your mums, proper care is important for their success:

Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, so that rot from overwatering does not develop.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.

Pinching: Pinch the tip of the plant back in early summer to induce bushy growth and many blooms.

Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for potential problems such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Treat immediately if you notice any issues.

Winter Protection: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch or straw around the plants in late fall to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dividing Mums

Can I Divide Potted Mums?

Yes, you can divide container mums too. Carefully take the plant out of the pot, and divide the ball of roots; then, put the divisions into new pots or directly into the ground.

How Often Should I Divide Mums?

Mums usually have to be divided every 2-3 years, depending on how fast they grow and the overall health.

What if My Mums Do Not Bloom After Dividing?

Sometimes, mums might miss flowering for a year if they get divided. Let’s focus on providing good care and they will flower beautifully next year.

Benefits of Dividing Mums

This process of division of mums is highly rewarding to the plants and to the gardener as well. The healthy and properly spaced mums will flower better and therefore add more beautiful displays in your garden. There is also an opportunity to share plants with fellow enthusiasts in case they need new stock.

Conclusion

Splitting mums is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to keep the health of your mums alive, help their beauty, and add more flowers to your garden. All you need to do is to time this process correctly, use the right instruments, and apply the right techniques. Thus, the next time you notice your mums getting crowded a bit, do not wait, but split them and then replant. Happy gardening!