Belgian Mum Padre Orange Rooted Cutting Liner

Planting and Fertilization

Garden Mums© grow well in a well-drained, loose, soilless media. Peat based or bark based mixes work well. Be sure to plant rooted cuttings as soon as they arrive in moist media. Do not use any type of water retaining gel. This will create root disease. Begin liquid N-P-K fertilizer containing 200-300 ppm Nitrogen as soon as you plant your rooted cutting. You may consider using controlled-release fertilizer to ensure a steady supply of nutrients if your crops are grown outside with overhead irrigation. If you go this route, be sure to choose a CRF that contains trace elements, plan to use it at a high application rate, and keep a close eye on EC levels to supplement if low fertility occurs. We recommend drip irrigation and water-soluble fertilizer. Weekly soil tests are recommended for maintenance. Grow mums in full sun for best quality.

Garden Mums© require a considerable amount of well-balanced fertilizer. During the vegetative stage of development, we recommend using a balanced 20-10-20 fertilizer at 250-300 ppm with each watering. During flower development, switch to a potassium rich fertilizer like 15-5-30 or KNO3 at 300 ppm until flowers show color. Maintain a soil pH of 5.8-6.2. Once you see color, use clear water. Applying magnesium sulfate as a spray before first color will make plants stronger, enhance color and extend shelf life.

Some growers have trialed an alternative constant liquid feed program of 75-150 ppm N, 1-2 ppm Iron from a complete micronutrient fertilizer package, and 25-30 ppm magnesium sulfate. This program reduces costs and simplifies irrigation by using the same fertilizer throughout the plant’s growth. Doing a trial of this method is recommended before switching over, as it requires vigilant monitoring to succeed.

Irrigation

Irrigation is extremely important for producing high-quality Garden Mums©. Do not allow wilting during the early stages of growth, as it can restrict branching and overall growth and lead to premature budding. Late in the growth of your crop, some minimal wilting can help harden off the plants, control height, and contribute to uniform flowering. We recommend drip irrigation for uniform watering and because it keeps foliage dry, helping to prevent leaf spotting and foliar disease. If you do use overhead irrigation, be sure your plants are dry before evening.

Pulse irrigation can more fully irrigate pots with drip irrigation. Simply run the irrigation cycle in two or three segments with time in between. This allows the water and fertilizer to soak into the pot rather than just drip out the bottom. It also keeps pots from drying out. Do not apply extra water during hot periods, as this leads to overwatering, nutrient loss, and chlorosis. Instead syringe plants to reduce heat stress, or use 25-30% greenhouse shade to reduce heat (keeping in mind that this reduction in light will affect response).

Flowering

Pinching

Spacing

Height Control