Growing Fall Mums

Growing fall mums can be a good supplement to other income sources, such as pumpkins or October festivals, but they don't provide a ton of income on their own.
Mums are labor-intensive, especially when it comes to irrigation, but they can help keep labor busy and bring in cash flow during a slow time of year.
8-inch mum pans are the industry standard, but there are variations, such as 9-inch mum pans or 3-gallon terra cotta pots.
Garden mums are photo periodic, meaning they bloom based on the photo period of the day, not their age.

Choose varieties that will bloom around your peak sale date, such as mid-October.
Order 75% of your mums in mid-October varieties, with 10-20% in early and late varieties.
Choose darker colors, such as yellows, dark oranges, reds, and purples, as they tend to sell better than pastels.

Plant one mum per pot in an 8-inch pot, aiming to grow a 16-inch mum.
Mums grow an inch and a half per week, so calculate the number of weeks needed to reach the desired size.
Use Google Calendar to determine the week number of your peak sale date and back off 10-12 weeks to determine the planting date.
Add an extra week to account for shipping and labor delays.

Plant the mum in the center of the pot, deep into the soil, to promote branching and prevent wobbliness.
Use an le pot, which is a biodegradable paper pot infused with soil and oxygen, to plant the mum.
Do not pinch the mums, as they are bred to branch without pinching.
Fertilize with 200-300 parts per million, using a balanced fertilizer, and water early in the day.
Provide full Sun and protect the mums from weeds and low temperatures.### Watering and Irrigation
Water plants in the morning, allowing the soil to dry out throughout the day to prevent mold and fungus growth.
Avoid watering in the middle of the day, as it can impede root growth and absorption of nutrients.
Watering in the evening can also promote mold and fungus growth.
During the vegetative stage, water plants at 250-300 parts per million with a balanced fertilizer (20-10-20).
In the flower development stage, switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer (15-5-30) at 250-300 parts per million.
Once flowers appear, switch to clear water and consider adding magnesium sulfate to enhance color and extend shelf life.

Overhead watering with a hose is okay, especially for small-scale growing, but can be wasteful and lead to fertilizer runoff.
Drip tape irrigation is a more efficient and effective method, especially for larger-scale growing.
Drip tape comes in different spacings (e.g., 16-inch, 24-inch) and can be used with a manifold system.
Drip tube irrigation is a more permanent solution, using a main line and feeder hoses, and is more expensive but can pay for itself over time.

Pricing is highly dependent on local microeconomics and competition.
It's difficult to compete with large retailers like Walmart on price, but it's possible to differentiate on quality and service.

Planting multiple colors (e.g., red, purple, yellow) in a triangle inside a pot can create a visually appealing display.
Planting different sizes and quantities of plants can help manage freight and labor costs.
Understanding plant growth rates (e.g., 1.5 inches per week) can help with planning and calculations.

The formula for calculating plant growth and timing is available on the blog "How to Grow Your Best Mom Yet."
Crop talks, like this one, are available on the channel, offering more information and experience on growing various crops.

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