garden mum

Garden mums (Chrysanthemum 'Matchsticks') should be watered weekly, providing 1-2 inches of water each time. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to become evenly moist. Avoid over-watering as mums prefer slightly dry soil between waterings. Whenever possible, it is best to water in the morning before the sun is too high in the sky, to allow plenty of time for the soil to dry out before nightfall. Water plants at soil level as not to damage any of the delicate blooms.

Garden mums (Chrysanthemum 'Matchsticks') thrive in areas with full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. To ensure proper growth, it is recommended to place these plants in the sunniest possible area during the morning, instead of in the direct mid-day sun. Garden mums require protection from the wind to prevent damage to their delicate stems, so they should be grown in sheltered areas that provide safety from strong gusts. When growing garden mums, remember that insufficient sunlight will cause the plants to become leggy and bloom poorly.

For optimum health and flowering of garden mums (Chrysanthemum 'Matchsticks'), it is best to prune them back before the start of the spring season. Pruning should begin when the mums' shoots reach approximately 6 to 8 inches in height. At this point, it is best to prune the shoots back to just 2 to 3 inches in height. This will encourage branching and a bushier growth habit. It is also advisable to prune off any dead or dying buds and blooms. Throughout the growing season, you should continue to prune back the stems and buds as needed. Finally, after the blooms have all faded in late autumn, it is time to cut the spent stems down to the ground. This will ensure the plants remain healthy and vigorous throughout the winter season and return to bloom the following spring.