An example of a growing medium for garden mums is indicated in Table 2. The pH of the medium should be adjusted to 5.7 to 6.2 using dolomitic limestone which also supplies calcium and magnesium. The amount of dolomitic limestone to add depends on the pH of the initial components that should be determined by soil testing. However, a good starting point is 5 to 10 pounds per cubic yard. Phosphorus is often supplied in the mix using superphosphate at 4.5 pounds per cubic yard and a micronutrient fertilizer is also added according to the manufacturers directions.
Many growers add an initial macronutrient charge to the medium at the time of mixing.
This often consists of 1 pound per cubic yard each of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Planting Rooted cuttings should be graded by size so that individual pots receive the same size cuttings. Unequal cutting size in the same pot inevitably results in an uneven, poor quality product. This can be compensated for only to a limited extent by pinching. Cuttings should be planted shallow with roots just covered by substrate.