How To Create Vibrant Mum Combinations

Cheryl Golden, Spicy Orange and Regal Purple

Garden chrysanthemums are easy to manage when basic guidelines are followed, and they allow growers to explore many options, such as creating combination containers.

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With the expansion of garden mum families in recent years, combinations have become easier than ever to design and produce. Building combos with members of the same family allows for consistency in habit, timing, flower forms and crop scheduling.

When experimenting with garden mum combinations, key choices for the best outcome include the Cheryl, Emma, Gigi, Jacqueline, Stacy, Ursula and Victoria families from Yoder Mums by Syngenta Flowers.

Container Size And Spacing Matter For Mums

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For a vibrant and dramatic color effect, some families can be mixed with individual varieties. However, the differences in plant size, habit and timing might lead to an inconsistent and unreliable finished product. Combination trials are recommended to determine the best outcome based on your environment.

When producing garden mums, keep in mind that container size and spacing matter. For example, a 10-inch hanging basket should hold four plants with an approximate field spacing of 24-inch centers. For the best durability, treated baskets are recommended. If you have an oval container, two cuttings can be planted 1inch from each end of the container with one in the center. Color bowls can be planted with one cutting in the center and additional cuttings surrounding it.

A good rule of thumb is to plant rooted cuttings about 4 to 5 inches apart near the center of the pot. This method will help reduce individual plant separation when the pots finish, allowing the cuttings to grow together early on to create a stronger base and a cohesive look.

Crop timing should also be considered. For growers located in the northern and central latitudes in North America, recommended planting dates are June 25 to July 15 for rooted cuttings. For those in the southern U.S., dates can be as much as two weeks later.

If you have a shaded crop, be sure to plan for additional long days before blackcloth is started, as compared to your plan for 6-inch pots. For 10-inch pots, two to three extra weeks are needed; for bowls, ovals and other shallow containers, plan for three weeks. Twelve-inch pots should have an additional three weeks, and 14-inch pots should have an additional four weeks. Keep in mind that larger containers tend to flower sooner than smaller ones after blackcloth starts.

When it comes to natural-season crops, for the highest quality results, be sure to plant larger pots after standard 8-inch pots are planted. Doing so avoids early bud development that can be induced from early-season cool night temperatures or shorter day lengths.

Follow these guidelines, get creative and you are sure to experience success when creating your mum combinations.

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