Chrysanthemums or mums are a must-have for autumn décor. They are perfect for pairing with pumpkins and gourds, and steal the spotlight with an explosion of blooms in fiery red, orange, and yellow hues that echo the autumn foliage. You’ll also find vibrant pink, lavender, and even white mums to dress up containers and gardens. Mums are easy to care for but require regular watering to keep them flowering for many weeks. How much water plants need and how often you should water mums varies depending on where the plant is growing. Follow these simple tips to determine when to water mums and keep them looking their best all season.
Chrysanthemum Care
Mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) are easy to grow in garden beds or containers. They perform best in rich, organic soils with good drainage. If growing mums in containers, be sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain freely. Mums are shallow rooted and require regular watering to maintain soil moisture in the root zone. Plants perform best when soil is moist, but not too wet. In general, mums require one inch of water per week.
Mums thrive in full sun but may need a bit of protection from the afternoon sun in hot climates. Plants grown in too much shade will grow leggy and produce fewer blooms. Most people treat mums as annuals, enjoying their abundant blooms throughout the fall season and disposing of the plants afterwards. However, mums are perennial plants and can be overwintered in the garden in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Watering Mums In The Garden
When growing mums in garden beds, strive to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Mums have a shallow root system that is sensitive to drying out. On the other hand, overly wet soil can lead to root rot. Plants typically require one deep watering every seven to ten days, however several factors can impact watering frequency. Plants growing in sandy soils may require more frequent irrigation, as will plants growing under intense sunlight. Plants may also need more water when temperatures soar.
The best way to tell if mums need water is to feel the soil. Stick your finger into the ground near the base of the plant, about two inches deep. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist you can hold off on watering. Make a habit of regularly checking soil moisture and water when it feels dry to the touch. Also pay attention to signs of water stress, such as wilting or brown foliage. If you notice these signs, give plants a deep drink as soon as possible.
Water mums at the base of the plant and keep the foliage dry to prevent foliar diseases. Irrigate slowly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil. It is a good idea to apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture. When doing a finger test to check soil moisture, make sure to stick your finger into the soil beneath the mulch.
How To Water Mums In Containers
Mums growing in containers require more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground. Containers have less soil mass and dry out more quickly than garden soils. In summer and early fall, containers may require water every one to two days. Watering frequency may change as temperatures cool. Use the finger test to check soil moisture just as you would for garden plants. Lifting containers to feel their weight is also telling. If the container feels very light it may be time to water.
It is a good idea to maintain consistent moisture in containers. The soil mixes used in containers are very lightweight and have excellent drainage, which promotes healthy root development. However, many potting mixes tend to be difficult to re-wet once they dry out. Avoid letting potting soil dry out between watering. Water plants thoroughly when the upper one to two inches feel dry to the touch. Apply water slowly and allow it to run until water seeps out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Another way to water containers is from the bottom up. Set the pot in a tub or deep saucer filled with enough water to submerge the drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Let plants soak for about 30 minutes, then remove them from the soaking tub or dish. Allow any excess water to drain away. Bottom watering is a good way to water containers that have become too dry.
Avoid Overwatering Plants
Overwatering plants can be just as detrimental as underwatering. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the signs and symptoms of overwatering versus underwatering. Both can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. With overwatering, foliage tends to turn black and mushy following the yellow discoloration, a sign of disease. The best way to determine if you are overwatering is to check the soil. If it looks or feels wet, identify the reason for the excess water. Have you been watering too often? Does the container have adequate drainage holes? These problems are easily remedied. If the problem is wet garden soil, you may need to move your mum to a container or a different location in the landscape.
The best way to maintain healthy mums is to simply keep an eye on them. Walk the garden and check soil moisture as needed. Not only will regular checks allow you to notice problems in a timely manner, but you’ll also spend more time enjoying your garden plants.
