Clay Vs Plastic Pots
- Clay pots are recommended for 4 or 6 inch potting as they breathe and dry out faster during cool April days.
- Plastic pots are cheaper and hold water longer – less watering will be needed. Beneficial during hot summer months
Three Step bleach bath for pots:
Before Potting up Wash previously used pots in a mild bleach bath
- Bleach water ratio- 9 parts water to 1 part bleach
- soak 1 hour
- Clear water rinse – soak 1 hour
- Second clear water rinse – soak 1 hour
- Clear bath water rinse is necessary – bleach bath water in unrinsed pots will kill your plants
Potting medium –
Potting medium PH balance should be at 6.5 and contain a good mix of fertilizers to carry the plant for 3 to 4 weeks. Some growers like toad a little alfalfa meal and some additional pumice for increased aeration. The club has been recommending soilless M&R mix ($10 per bag -1.5 Cu Ft) or Sunshine #4 Pro Mix which runs about $35 for 3cu ft
Custom soil/compost mixes might include compost or garden loam, a soil sweetener like slacked lime or Dolomite, steamed Bone to promote root growth. Ash and pumice or grit to loosen and aerate the soil mix
Potting on mums into 4” or 6” pots
- Pot on when a significant ring of roots forms around the bottom edge of the pot (semi root bound). Do not compact the potting mix. Tie plants to small stakes.
- As the weather warms, move mum pots outdoors to a sunny location.
Review stopping dates. Most ECA cultivars are stopped Between April 15 and May 30.
- Pinch date list for most ECA club cultivars are included in the April Newsletter.
Insecticide Regimen
Spray for Aphids every 2 or 3 weeks, with liquid insecticide.
Fertilize Regimen
Fertilize weekly starting the 3rd or 4th week after potting. Use the Club Early Fertilizer. Water soluble 10-50-10 Peter’s upper blossom booster is also a good substitute.
Fungicide Regimen
If white powder appears on the plant starts treat with a fungicide
Watering
Water only as needed, do not over water.
Keep the best Cultivars
Continue the culling process to get to your final growing group. Don’t always keep the first plants to reach 6” potting stage. Keep the best cultivars. Share surplus plants with other club members. Throw away damaged or diseased plants.
