Mums - Mums - Mums
Seems like Oscar, the scarecrow is happy about his new companion, a pale yellow gardenmum we picked up at Home Depot today. $2.77 - can't beat that in October. I'm hoping though that I'll get another variety for a bit less after November when the Mums have to make room for the poinsettias.
I love Mums because they mean "autumn" and they look so gorgeous with their splashes of color. My main motivation is propagation though.
I did some research on this years ago and actually managed to get some cuttings rooted (only to have them destroyed by Jilly, the hound dog). I decided to give this another try. My goal is to have lots of homegrown Mums for the next season and use them as stockplants to grow even more new plants.
I'm very tempted to take cuttings RIGHT NOW even though most articles about propagating mums suggest to take cuttings from the new top growth in the spring. At the same time, everything is backwards and different when it comes to gardening in Florida so I'm thinking I might just give it a try and take 2 or 3 cuttings to see how they're doing.
Mums
I had Mums before, loved them and was able to take cuttings and harvest the babies for new plants.
Since I live in Florida, I'm not worried about first and last frost dates and I'm not worried about leaving the Mums in their spot through the winter.
I decided to pick up a Mum next week on my trip to Home Depot. Because I'm frugal, I might check Walmart first to see if I can get them cheaper there. Not looking for a huge plant, a small one will be fine. I want to use it as a stock plant to grow many, many new plants from it.
Interesting artice by Doug Green of http://www.gardening-tips-perennials.com/ :
Okay, the first few paragraphs apply to gardeners in northern climates, however he goes on to say: they like full sunshine, regular deep waterings all summer long like soaking them twice a week. Feed with compost in early spring, then give a booster of fish emulsion every two weeks. Cut them back to 6-9 inches when they reach 12-18 inches tall. This will force them to bush out and produce more sheets, meaning more flowers.
Another great article by Danny Lipfort giving advice about planting, growing and propagating Mums as well as refering to the National Crysanthemum Society (Florida does not have a chapter)
Well this has given me some great ideas and inspiration as to what I should plant in my front garden next spring!
