Mystic Mums

Bred to have larger flowers, a flexible mounding habit, color retention and a good shelf life, the Mystic Mum series from Fides Oro comes in 27 varieties that vary in vigor, flower type and natural flower season. Selected and trialed, these garden mums have a mounding habit and grow uniformly. Naturally flowering from early September through mid-October, the series also has 12 varieties recommended for summer shaded programs.

Production:

• Stick un-rooted cuttings immediately. If that’s not possible, store them in a cooler at 35°F to 40°F. Cell tray sizes can be 36, 50, 72, 84 or 105, or cuttings can be stuck directly in finishing containers.
   
• To avoid stress and reduced lateral branching, plant rooted cuttings within two to three days. Pinch if necessary.
   
• Plants finishing under black-out need pinched 14 to 18 days after sticking. Plants finishing under normal days do not usually need pinching.
   
• Use loose, well-drained root media for garden mums that retains sufficient moisture and nutrients.
   
• Keep pH level between 5.8 and 6.2 for soilless media, but plants generally can grow in a pH level from 5.3 to 6.6 without problems.
   
• Keep EC between 0.8 and 1.5 mS/cm during establishment and finishing, and between 1.7 and 3.0 mS/cm when growing.
   
• Use a complete N-P-K fertilizer solution containing 100 to 200 ppm of nitrogen on cuttings immediately after planting.
   
• Remove about a ½ inch of new growth during pinching. This ensures the meristem is removed. Rooted cuttings are usually ready for pinching 10 to 14 days after planting.
   
• Apply enough water for it to soak down through the pot.

Did you know?
Stress does not promote early bud set. Night temperatures less than 68°F and short photoperiods are the only two factors that promote early bud set.