Mum Buddy Plant Harvesting:
Optimal Time and Technique

Introduction

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are beautiful flowering plants that add color and vibrancy to any garden or floral arrangement. These versatile plants come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a popular choice among gardeners and florists alike. One important aspect of growing mums is knowing the optimal time and technique for harvesting the blooms. In this article, we will explore the best practices for mum buddy plant harvesting.

Understanding Mum Bloom Phases

Before we delve into the details of mum harvesting, it’s essential to understand the different bloom phases of these plants. Mums go through several stages before they reach their full blooming potential. These stages are:

1. Vegetative Phase: This is the initial stage when the mum plant is focused on vegetative growth. During this phase, the plant produces leaves and establishes a strong root system.

2. Bud Initiation Phase: In this stage, the plant starts forming flower buds. It is crucial to provide adequate care and nutrients during this phase to ensure healthy bud development.

3. Bud Development Phase: The buds start growing and gradually increase in size during this phase. It is at this point that gardeners need to start paying attention to the buds’ progression to determine the optimal time for harvesting.

4. Blooming Phase: This is when the mums reach their full blooming potential, displaying vibrant colors and beautiful flowers.

Determining Optimal Harvest Time

To harvest mums at their peak freshness and beauty, it is crucial to determine the optimal harvest time. The ideal time for harvesting depends on the intended use of the blooms.

If you plan to use the mums as cut flowers in floral arrangements or bouquets, it’s best to harvest them when they are in full bloom. At this stage, the flowers will be at their most vibrant and attractive, ensuring a visually stunning arrangement.

On the other hand, if you are growing mums for their ornamental value in your garden, you may prefer to harvest them slightly earlier. Harvesting the blooms just before they reach full bloom will allow you to enjoy the flowers for a longer period. Additionally, by harvesting early, you can prevent the flowers from fading or wilting before their time.

Harvesting Techniques

Once you have determined the optimal harvest time for your mums, it’s essential to use the correct technique to ensure minimal damage to the plant and maximum vase life for cut blooms.

1. Prepare the tools: Before you begin harvesting, make sure you have sharp pruning shears or scissors. Dull tools can crush stems and cause damage to the plant. It’s also a good idea to sanitize your tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases.

2. Choose healthy stems: Select stems that are healthy, free from signs of disease or insect damage, and have fully developed flower buds. Avoid harvesting stems with weak or wilted buds, as they may not fully open or have a shorter vase life.

3. Cut at an angle: When cutting the stems, make sure to do so at a 45-degree angle. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, allowing better water uptake.

4. Remove excess foliage: Trim off any excess foliage that would be submerged in water in a vase. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the water clean for longer.

5. Immediately place in water: After cutting each stem, place it in a container filled with lukewarm water. This step ensures that the flowers stay hydrated and fresh during transportation or arrangement.

6. Keep cool and shaded: Once harvested, mums should be kept in a cool and shaded area until they are ready to be used or arranged. Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.

Conclusion

Harvesting mums at the optimal time and using the correct technique is essential for enjoying these beautiful flowers to their fullest. By understanding the mum bloom phases and determining the ideal harvest time, you can ensure that your mums are vibrant and long-lasting, whether used in floral arrangements or as ornamental plants in your garden. Follow the harvesting techniques mentioned above to minimize damage and maximize vase life, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of mums for an extended period.