To keep mums from flopping over, one effective technique is shearing. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to painstakingly pinch each stem individually. Instead, you can simply shear the entire plant. This process can be repeated multiple times, usually two or three, before allowing the mums to enter their flowering phase in mid to late summer.
By shearing the mums, you encourage compact growth and prevent the plants from becoming too tall and floppy. This technique promotes a more uniform and heavy blooming, resulting in a visually appealing and well-maintained garden.
To shear your mums, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right time: It’s best to shear your mums in late spring or early summer, before they start producing buds. This allows them enough time to recover and develop new growth before flowering.
2. Prepare your tools: Use sharp and clean pruning shears or hedge trimmers. Dull or dirty tools can damage the plants and potentially introduce diseases.
3. Determine the desired height: Decide how tall you want your mums to be. This will depend on personal preference and the specific variety of mum you are growing.
4. Start shearing: Trim the entire plant to the desired height, cutting off about one-third of the overall height. Make clean cuts just above a set of leaves or leaf nodes. This encourages the growth of new shoots from the nodes, resulting in a bushier plant.
5. Repeat as needed: Depending on the growth rate of your mums, you may need to repeat the shearing process two or three times throughout the growing season. This helps maintain their compact form and prevents flopping.
It’s important to note that while shearing is an effective technique, it may delay the flowering of your mums slightly. However, the trade-off is well worth it, as you’ll have sturdier, more attractive plants in the long run.
In addition to shearing, there are a few other practices that can help prevent mums from flopping over:
– Provide support: If your mums still have a tendency to flop despite shearing, you can use stakes or plant supports to prop them up. This is especially important for larger or more top-heavy varieties.
– Adequate sunlight: Ensure your mums receive sufficient sunlight. Plants grown in shaded areas are more prone to stretching and flopping. Position them in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
– Proper watering: Overwatering can lead to weak, floppy growth. Water your mums deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excessive moisture, which can cause root rot and weaken the plants.
– Fertilize appropriately: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timing. Overfertilization can result in excessive soft growth, leading to flopping.
By following these tips and regularly shearing your mums, you can enjoy compact, non-flopping plants with abundant and uniform blooming. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your specific mum varieties and growing conditions. Happy gardening!
