Growing with chrysanthemums is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for many gardeners. To some, mums represent friendship. Adding the right fertilizer to your mums is key to getting the most out of them and keeping them healthy and vibrant. Chrysanthemums are popular for their vibrant colors, long-lasting blooms, and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates. The bright colors of the blooms make them a cheerful addition to any garden, and the fact that they bloom for weeks at a time makes them a great choice for gardeners looking for a long-lasting show of color. With the right fertilizer, mums will thrive and produce an abundance of flowers.
Do you need to fertilize mums?
Mums do best when they are fertilized every 14 or so days. This helps ensure that the soil has enough nutrients to support the mums and provide them with the best possible growing conditions. Fertilizing mums every 14 days helps to keep the soil healthy and full of nutrients, which will help the mums to grow and bloom. Additionally, regular fertilization helps to prevent nutrient deficiencies and allows the mums to produce their vibrant and colorful blooms. Regular fertilization also helps to keep the mums healthy and disease-free, as it helps to ensure that the plants have access to the nutrients they need to thrive.
How to fertilize mums
Planting and fertilizing mums is a simple and easy process that can be done in a few steps. Mums should be fertilized every 2 weeks during their growing season. When the days start to get shorter and the temperatures start to cool, stop fertilizing and start preparing for winter. Cut the stems back to about six inches and cover the area with a layer of mulch.
- Prepare the soil in the area where you will be planting your mums by tilling it to a depth of 8-12 inches and working in a 2-3 inch layer of compost.
- Water the area thoroughly before planting.
- Plant the mums in the soil, spacing them according to their variety’s directions.
- Water the mums after planting and keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Fertilize the mums every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Follow the directions on the packaging for the amount of fertilizer to use.
- Continue to water and fertilize the mums until they are fully established.
- Once they begin to flower, switch to a more phosphorous-heavy fertilizer
The best fertilizer for mums
Mums need special care during their growing period. During the vegetative period of a mum, they require a growth fertilizer, which helps them develop strong stems and lush foliage. A balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and has trace elements of phosphorus and potassium is best for the vegetative period. When the mums start to flower, a flowering fertilizer should be used. A flowering fertilizer is higher in phosphorus and potassium and has trace elements of nitrogen for bud and flower production. This ensures that the mums have the necessary nutrients to produce beautiful, full flowers.
Vegetative fertilizer
Mums during their vegetative stage need nitrogen and potassium for optimal growth. They also need calcium, magnesium, and sulfur for strong roots, stems, and foliage. Additionally, trace minerals like iron, zinc, boron, and manganese are essential for healthy growth.
Flowering fertilizer
During their flowering period, mums need a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer, along the lines of a 10-30-20 balance. They also need additional micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, to ensure strong growth and vibrant color. Additionally, mums need adequate water and sunlight to reach their full potential.