Finishing GUIDE
Rooted Liners Keep trays of rooted cuttings in a greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 65°F (20°C). Low temperatures can trigger premature flowering. Fertilize liners prior to planting with 300-400 ppm from 20-10-20 (or similar) to ensure strong growth after transplant. Planting • A lighter, well drained media is recommended. • Media pH in a soilless mix should be 5.8-6.4, a mineral field soil-based mix 6.0-6.5. • Fertilize immediately with 300-400 ppm N from 20‑10‑20 (or similar) to encourage rapid establishment. • If outdoor temps are cool (50-59°F/10-15°C), start plants in a greenhouse with night temperatures maintained between 60-69°F (15-20°C), with 65°F/18°C being ideal. Low night temperatures at planting can promote premature flower initiation. Pinching Modern varieties do not require pinching in natural season fall crops.
Irrigation Drip irrigation reduces the chance of developing foliar diseases, making it the best choice when growing garden mums. • When irrigating, apply enough water to thoroughly wet the soil mass and allow water to drip from the container. Fertilization Mums are heavy feeders, and early feeding is critical for their strong growth. Regular growing media testing is the best guide to determine the optimum fertilization program. • If substrate EC is low when moderate-to-high fertilizer rates are being used, this indicates that plants are actively taking up nutrients. Only increase feed rate/frequency if plants show symptoms of nutrient deficiency. • If substrate EC is high, this indicates that plants are not actively taking up fertilizer. Reduce fertilizer rates or application frequency and check roots for damage or disease symptoms.
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