How to Care for Cushion Mums

Select a sunny location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Although mums will grow in a shady or partially shaded area, stalks tend to grow tall and spindly, and blooming may be delayed until late fall. Those grown in full sun produce bigger and brighter blooms.

Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches and remove any roots, rocks or other debris from the soil. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the soil and mix it in well with the existing soil. This improves aeration and promotes good drainage.

Apply 5-10-5 fertilizer, following the recommended application rate on the container, again working this into the existing soil. Young roots and foliage burn easily if they come in contact with fertilizer granules.

Plant cushion mum seedlings in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. Cushion mums purchased during the summer or early fall can be planted immediately in a prepared bed.

Fertilize cushion mums with water-soluble fertilizer designed for flowering plants once a month from late spring until midsummer. Cease fertilizing when buds begin to form.

Pinch out the growing tips of cushion mums when they are 3 to 4 inches high. Leave 2 to 3 leaves per shoot. This encourages cushion mums to develop more branches and form dense, compact foliage. Pinch out the new growth again in approximately one month, using care to pinch all branches. Cease pinching by midsummer to allow buds to form.

Water cushion mums once a week to saturate the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Ron C. Smith, extension horticulturist from North Dakota State University, recommends using a soaker hose to avoid wetting the foliage, as wet foliage promotes disease.

Cut foliage back to ground level in the fall once it is killed by frost. Cover with a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as leaves or hay, to protect the roots from winter damage. Remove the mulch in the spring when new growth appears.