Field Growing
Some growers still prefer to field grow their garden mums and then dig and pot them in the fall. These plants should be spaced 18" to 24" apart in rows 30" to 36" apart.
Dry fertilizers can be side dressed down the rows, using 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 100 lineal feet. The fertilizer should be placed approximately 3" to 4" from the plant. Apply 2 weeks after planting and repeat at ½ this rate 4 weeks later. The pH should range from 6.0 to 6.5. Cuttings should be watered in immediately after planting with 1 to 1½ pounds of 20-10-20 per 100 gallons of water to help establish the plants more rapidly. It is important to provide additional water if planting during hot and dry weather.
When field growing, there must be an adequate system for getting water to the plants. Garden mums grown under moisture stress do not achieve the desired size.
The soil should be moist when field mums are dug. The ideal time is to dig when the plants are approximately one quarter open. After digging the plants, it is good practice to keep them shaded and watered for a day or two before selling them. Tying a string around the plants before digging can minimize any breakage during digging and shipping.