What to Do If Mums Not Blooming to Boost Flowering: 6 Tricks
11.09.2024 - 20:12
/ balconygardenweb.com
/ Ralph Astley
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and they come in multiple colors. To enjoy most of them, follow these tips to boost their flowering. Each trick will help you ensure that these fall garden stars are in the best shape possible.
Mums are sun-loving plants, and if you keep them in the shade and do not give them the appropriate sun exposure, you might not see them blooming.
The minimum sunlight that these flowers need should be at least 6-7 hours. It’s one of the basics of growing them.
If you notice that your mums are sitting in the shaded part of the house, it is time to move them to a south-facing window, balcony, or patio and let them bask under the sun for hours.
Remember that these flowers will tolerate slight shade in the afternoon if you live in the hotter zones, but too much shade is a no-no for them.
Mums need a slight trim to ensure the blooming is encouraged and you get the display you want from them. Pinching back the new growth ensures your plant has more branching and flower buds. You can do it when the plants exceed 6 inches in height.
Just pinch back 1-2 inches of new growth at the top and repeat this process until mid-July. This will ensure your plant redirects its energy to developing side shoots and promoting flower production. Do it on these plants as well.
They also prefer timely deadheading, so when you see the flowers fading, remove them instantly.
Another reason mums don’t bloom is overwatering. Overwatering can not only lead to mold issues and root rot, but it will also encourage more foliage and fewer flowers.
A slight water stress can help force your mums to bloom. Let the soil dry out a few times between waterings. This process stimulates the plant to focus on flowering