Mums need at least a half day of sun for good bloom, but full sun is best. Mums set buds in response to day length, so avoid confusing them by planting where they may be exposed to bright night time light.

They prefer a rich, well-drained soil, slightly on the alkaline side. Feeding every 3-4 weeks until buds set will improve flowering.

Maintenance: To promote a sturdy, bushier plant with lots of blooms, pinch off the top 1 to 2 inches of growth once taller varieties are at least 6 inches high; shorter varieties, 4 to 5 inches high. Continue pinching the tips every 3 - 4 weeks until early July in cooler climates, the end of July in warmer Zones.

Deadheading is only necessary in warmer climates, where the plants remain green. In areas that experience freezing winters, allowing the old foliage to remain until spring helps the plant's survival. During cold, snowless winters, mulching will be necessary. Even then, there's no guarantee all your mums will make it, especially those planted in the fall.

For a better chance of survival of fall planted mums in cold areas, leave the foliage on until spring and either mulch the plants heavily or plant them in a protected spot in the garden for the winter survival. Established plants shouldn't be fed after July, so new growth isn't injured by frost.

Established mums can be dug and divided in spring, every 2 - 3 years as necessary.