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The
Fall
Remove plant from its pot and gently loosen the
bottom of the root ball. Plant with the top of the
root ball just 1/2 inch deeper in the soil than it was in its
pot.
Press soil firmly around the root ball, but leave the top soil
loose,
and water thoroughly. Growth will be best in fertile. well
drained
soil. Poor soil can be improved with the addition of compost,
peat
moss or other organic matter. Cover your plant at night in the
event of an early frost to preserve the flowering period.
Paper or plastic bags work well.
Note: Mums need sun to grow. If you purchase them in bloom,
you can plant them wherever you like for display, even in the
shade, but you must move them to a sunny location over the
spring and summer to achieve good growth. They can be lifted
again in the fall and placed wherever you want a display of
color.
Winter
Cut old stems down to 4-6 inches. After the
ground has frozen, apply 3-4 inches of mulch.
Spring
Gradually remove mulch. Dig up and divide
mature clumps to increase your numbers of
plants. Any 5-10-10 fertilizer, superphosphate, or bone meal at
the rate of one tablespoon per plant will improve growth. When
shoots are 4- 5 inches tall, pinch off top 3/4 to 1 inch of
growth.
Repeat this process every 6-8 inches until mid July to encourage
attractive, bushy growth.
Summer
Keep your soil aerated and don't allow it to
become hard packed. Water well weekly
during dry spells. Fertilize monthly until August. You can mulch
with an inch of grass clippings or peat moss to hold down weeds
and conserve moisture. If pests develop or leaves turn brown, a
complete spray or dust should be applied. Rose sprays and dusts
work fine and are readily available at local nurseries.
Text distributed by the
Bristol Garden Club, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce
and The Mayor's Beautification Committee |
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