Splitting Mums: Guidelines on Dividing Your Autumn Flowers
In the heart of spring, gardeners and homeowners alike are preparing their outdoor spaces for a new growing season. One plant that benefits greatly from a springtime ritual is the humble chrysanthemum, or mum. Tonya Barnett, a gardening enthusiast with 13 years of experience, has transformed her backyard into a vibrant cut flower garden, which she regularly documents on her YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers).
Mums are hardy plants that can thrive in both pots and the garden, but to keep them blooming their best, they should be divided every 2-3 years. This process helps to revitalize tired mums and multiply your favourite varieties.
To divide mums, begin by carefully removing them from the soil using a spade. Gently slip the plant from the pot, if it's potted, and remove the loose soil. After removing mums from the soil, shake off excess soil to get a clear view of the root ball.
Using secateurs or a sharp garden knife, make cuts carefully between each growth point. Each new division should contain a growth point and a section of the original root system. With each snip, you're creating a new plant ready to take root.
Once divided, the newly formed plants can be transplanted directly into the garden, or potted-up into individual containers. For those transplanting into the garden, find a sheltered location to help protect the newly divided mums from the sun during the hottest parts of the afternoon.
After planting, deep watering is essential. This will aid in the continued development of the newly divided potted mums throughout the first growing season. Remember, newly divided potted mums can be susceptible to heat stress, especially in early spring, so be sure to monitor their water needs closely.
By dividing and transplanting your mums in the spring, you're not only revitalizing your garden but also multiplying your favourite mum varieties. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to enjoy a bountiful bloom this growing season!
