Fall Brings Blooming Mums
Longer nights and shorter days signal mums to begin blooming. Bud development starts when plants are exposed to no more than 13 hours of daylight. At least a month prior to the desired bloom date, begin shading plants with dark cloth or black plastic several hours before sundown to give them at least 12 hours of darkness. Remove the covering each morning. Actual blooming time depends on the variety. Commercially greenhouse-grown mums are covered with black cloth, which is supported on frames above the plants. As a result, florists carry mums throughout the year. Large blooms of “Football Mums’ need to have all side flower buds removed from the stem, leaving only the one bud to develop. During windy periods, plants should be supported by tying them to sturdy stakes.