Should You Let Mums Bloom in Summer?
When it comes to mums, many people assume that they are annual plants, meant to be tossed away once their blooms fade. However, if you choose hardy mums, you can actually enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year. So, should you let mums bloom in summer? The answer is yes, and here’s why.
1. Understanding Hardy Mums:
Hardy mums, also known as garden mums or fall mums, are perennial plants that can survive winter temperatures and bloom again in the following years. These mums have been bred to withstand colder climates and are much more resilient than the typical florist mums you find in stores.
2. Blooming in Summer:
While hardy mums are known for their fall blooms, they can also bloom in summer if given the right conditions. Allowing your mums to bloom in summer can be a great way to enjoy their vibrant colors and add beauty to your garden during the warmer months.
3. Proper Care:
To encourage summer blooming, it’s important to provide your mums with the right care. Here are some tips to help your mums thrive:
– Planting: Choose a location that receives full sun or at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
– Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
– Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
– Pruning: Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds. This technique, known as “pinching,” helps to create a compact and full plant.
4. Deadheading:
Once your mums start blooming, it’s essential to deadhead them regularly. Deadheading involves removing the faded flowers, which helps to redirect the plant’s energy into producing more blooms. By regularly deadheading, you can prolong the blooming period and encourage your mums to produce more flowers throughout the summer.
5. Overwintering:
To ensure your mums survive the winter and bloom again the following year, it’s crucial to provide proper protection. In late fall, before the first frost, cut back the stems to around 2-4 inches above the ground. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
6. Division and Transplanting:
After a few years, your mums may become crowded and produce fewer blooms. To rejuvenate the plants, you can divide them in early spring or late summer. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring each division has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, and with proper care, they will establish and bloom beautifully in the coming seasons.
Letting your hardy mums bloom in summer can be a rewarding experience. By providing the right care, deadheading regularly, and protecting the plants during winter, you can enjoy their vibrant blooms year after year. So, rather than tossing them away once the fall season ends, consider giving your mums a chance to brighten up your garden in the summer months.
