Spring Mum Production

*Note: in the video I mention “Growers Solution” for the black out cloth. Intended to say “Growers Supply”. The links are below for products.

Propagation Process: Our Approach

We begin by taking cuttings from mother plants as they sprout in spring. We trim the plant tips, ensuring there's a node at the bottom, then remove the lower leaf and trim the top leaves. This helps the plant develop a strong root system. We dip the cuttings in rooting powder and place them in 72-cell trays filled with Promix. Once rooted, they're moved to three-inch pots.

Our cutting method isn't limited to just the tops. Longer cuttings from the stem can be divided into smaller sections, maximizing the mother plant's potential for creating numerous new plants.

New Stock:

We recently received rooted cuttings from 3 Porch Farm. We’ve already potted them up into three-inch pots, where they will continue to grow. We’ll take extra cuttings from them, too.

Mother Plant Cut Flower Production:

We’re using blackout cloth from Growers Supply to create shorter day lengths for our mums. This helps them develop flower buds. Our setup enables easy covering, tricking the plants into "thinking" it's nighttime and encouraging budding. Our early bloomer, the Grandchild mum, is already showing buds.

Cost-Effective, Cool Climate Gardening

Mums are well-suited to cool climates. By using blackout cloth with a white side to reduce heat, we’re trying to maintain ideal conditions. For growers in cold climates, mums can be a good spring crop, too.

Mums Beyond Bouquets

Mums are wilt-resistant and easy to ship. They can be sold through variety of different sales outlets. They are a smart investment for farms looking to focus on products that have a long shelf-life. We’ll keep you posted and let you know how the rest of our spring mum forcing project it goes!

Continuing the Mum Journey

I welcome any questions you have. If you're interested in blackout cloth, you’ll find more info here:

3-layer blackout cloth (very expensive, 3 piece product that I bought— I’d try the product below if I could get a do-over!)

Single layer white/black blackout curtain (far less costly)

Wishing you a successful spring. Until next time!