November Cultural Notes
Now that bloom season is behind us, it’s time to focus on preparing our stock for next year’s cuttings.
Once your mums have finished flowering, cut them back to short stems—about 4 to 6 inches. Remove all laterals and leaves, then clean up your pots and store them in a cool, dry space sheltered from wind, rain, and slugs. It’s important for the stools to remain relatively dry during this brief dormant period. This chilling phase will help produce stronger cuttings for next year’s growing cycle.
While mums are hardy, they do need protection from hard freezes (below 28°F). Most plants can handle a night or two of freezing temperatures, but three consecutive nights of hard freeze will likely kill all but the hardiest varieties. During severe cold snaps, you can use a garage, shed, greenhouse, cold frame, or tarp for temporary protection until the weather improves.
About three to four weeks before your desired cutting time, move the stools into a well-lit, heated area (around 60°F). Water and fertilize them with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro to stimulate new growth.
Timing: Fitting It All Together
Let’s assume you finish cleaning and storing your plants by November 20, and plan to start cuttings around January 15. Here’s how the schedule might look:
- Nov 20: Begin dormant period; apply first fungicide spray
- Dec 15: Second fungicide spray
- Dec 20: Bring plants indoors, fertilize, and provide heat
- Jan 10: Third fungicide spray
- Jan 20: Begin taking cuttings
As you can see, it’s a tight schedule—but you can fit in all three fungicide treatments.
Looking Ahead
There’s been lively discussion among members about the best time to start cuttings, and that conversation will continue. We’ll share more on this topic in the December or January newsletter.
By January–February, your stock should be ready for propagation. Be sure to select your strongest, healthiest plants from each variety for cuttings, and discard any weak or diseased stock. Strong beginnings make for a successful bloom season ahead!
