Mums can absolutely be grown from seed! It’s a rewarding and cost-effective way to add these beautiful flowers to your garden. However, it’s important to note that mums have a long growing season, so it’s best to start them indoors about six to eight weeks before the date of the last frost in your area. This gives the seeds ample time to germinate and grow before being transplanted outside.
To start mums from seed, you’ll need a few supplies. First, choose a well-draining seed starting mix or a combination of peat moss and perlite. Fill small seed trays or pots with the mix, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for watering.
Next, sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. Mums have tiny seeds, so be careful not to bury them too deep. A light dusting of soil or vermiculite is enough to cover them. Sprinkle the seeds evenly, keeping in mind that mums will grow into bushy plants, so give them some space.
After sowing the seeds, lightly mist the soil with water to ensure it’s evenly moist. You can cover the trays or pots with a plastic dome or a plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps retain moisture and warmth, promoting faster germination.
Place the trays or pots in a warm location, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C). A sunny windowsill or a heated propagator works well. Check the soil regularly and mist if it starts to dry out. Be patient, as mums can take up to two weeks to germinate.
Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic cover and place them under grow lights or in a bright location. This will help them develop strong stems and prevent them from becoming leggy.
As the seedlings grow, thin them out if they are crowded. This allows each plant to have enough space to develop into a healthy specimen. When the seedlings reach about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in height, they are ready to be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.
Before transplanting, prepare the planting bed by incorporating organic matter and ensuring good drainage. Mums prefer well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. If needed, amend the soil accordingly.
To transplant the seedlings, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each plant. Gently remove the seedling from its pot, taking care not to disturb the roots too much. Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm it around the base of the plant.
Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them settle in. Mulching around the plants will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season.
It’s worth noting that mums grown from seed may not bloom in their first year. They often require a period of vernalization (exposure to cold temperatures) to initiate flower bud formation. In regions with mild winters, this may not be an issue, but if you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s best to protect the plants or bring them indoors before the first frost.
Growing mums from seed is a fulfilling and economical way to enjoy these vibrant flowers in your garden. By starting them indoors and providing proper care, you can successfully grow healthy mum plants that will reward you with beautiful blooms for years to come.
