Mums for fall...

[BigVanVader]

I think I'm going to do 150 Mum pots for fall. I can get the plugs for 25 cents each and the terracotta pots are $65 for 300 (8x5) I figure I can fill 20 pots per 11 dollar bag of mix plus the fertilizer (Osmocote)

My question is does anyone else sell Mums and if so what do you charge? I'm thinking $5 but I know in stores they can be $7-$9. I will have around $200 in them by the time they are ready and if I sell 150 @ $5 I make $750. Not sure $550 profit is worth it? Thoughts?

[clkeiper]

why terra cotta pots? that is really expensive and they are heavy. why not use plastic mum pots?

[Cole_Robbie]

I just looked at the catalog of a supplier near me:
https://millstadtyoungplants.com/mums/

The selection is overwhelming. I have no idea what to order.

[BigVanVader]

Originally Posted by clkeiper

why terra cotta pots? that is really expensive and they are heavy. why not use plastic mum pots?

Oh lol I meant terra cotta colored plastic pots instead of black. I just bought my plugs yesterday. They were actually 50 cents per plug. So for 150 mum plugs and 500 broccoli was $100. I went with a red a yellow and a gold. Wanted white but he was sold out. I can get the variety names if you want Cole. I looked at Ball but same as you my head was swimming from the hundreds of choices. The ones I got don't need clipping and I'm going to try using Osmocote plus mixed in the media instead of a typical 20-10-10 schedule.

[clkeiper]

BVV, that makes sense. those terra cotta clay ones would be terribly heavy

"I'm going to try using Osmocote plus mixed in the media instead of a typical 20-10-10 schedule." you will still want to fertilize as you water. the osmocote is a great boost but don't go with skipping the fertigation.

[Cole_Robbie]

I'm looking at this catalog now:
https://ncfarmsinc.com/availability/Rooted-Plugs

[Cole_Robbie]

I just pulled the trigger on 350 mum plugs, 35 of those are Montauk Daisy. I have no idea what I am doing, but I am determined to not let that stand in my way.

I tried to get unusual colors, so I am not selling the same thing as everyone else.

[MissS]

Those look beautiful! A very nice selection.

[SueCT]

Pinks and purples and whites are very popular around here, as well as early varieties. People like whatever they can see starting to bloom. They don't like to have to imagine what it will look like or go by a picture. The least popular color seems to be the rusty oranges. But they all sell by the end of the season so it probably doesn't really matter. Good luck to all of you!

[BigVanVader]

Nice Cole! Beautiful selection. That is a lot of transplanting. I'm dreading all mine. My varieties are: Jacqueline improved, Akilon Gold, and Danielle red. I hope I can sell 150. I'd be afraid to do more, but next Spring I'm definitely going to sell a lot more flowers. Cole if you can find a local plug guy it makes things reall easy. Mine even sells the bigger perennials for $3 a pot. You could pot up to gallon size, wait 10 days then sell em for $8-10 bucks. Same with about any plant you could imagine. This will be a fun learning experience

[imp]

I am learning a lot by reading and seeing what you guys are doing, and enjoying your progress.

[My Foot Smells]

Lavender does well here and of course yellow. They usually go for 9.99 for a two gallon trade pot here w/ a big fro.

[wildcat62]

Originally Posted by imp

I am learning a lot by reading and seeing what you guys are doing, and enjoying your progress.

me too, I enjoy following the learning curve & successes.

[Cole_Robbie]

Most of the pots I have are the "trade size" gallon, maybe 85% of a gallon. Is that too small?

[My Foot Smells]

Bigger is mo better? Me thinks. Two gallon trade seems more like true gallon. Crepes and jap maple are higher than cat back here, and NEVER go on sale. 3 footer goes for 50 and both excluded in summer sales.