Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a favorite fall flower in Texas, known for their bright, colorful blooms and ability to thrive in the autumn months. Whether you are adding them to your garden or growing them in pots, caring for mums is straightforward, but there are some key steps to ensure they flourish.
Essential Care for Mums
Sunlight: Mums need plenty of sunlight, ideally at least 6 hours a day. Place them in full sun for the best blooms. While they can tolerate partial shade, too little light may result in fewer flowers.
Watering: Mums prefer well-drained soil that stays moist but not soggy. Water regularly, making sure the soil never dries out completely, especially in Texas’s hot and dry fall climate. Avoid watering from above, as this can cause fungal issues; instead, water at the base of the plant.
Optional Care Tasks
Fertilizing: Mums benefit from light feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, applying every 3-4 weeks from spring to late summer. Once the plants start blooming in the fall, stop fertilizing to let the flowers develop fully.
Deadheading: Regularly removing spent blooms, or “deadheading,” encourages more flowers to appear and extends the blooming period. Simply pinch off or cut the dead flowers to keep your mums looking fresh and vibrant.
Overwintering: In Texas, mums can survive the winter with some simple precautions. After the first frost, cut the plants back to about 6 inches tall. Mulch heavily around the base to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In early spring, remove the mulch, and new growth should start to appear, allowing your mums to bloom again for another season.
By following these steps, you will have vibrant, healthy mums that brighten up your garden or patio each fall. With a little extra care, you can even enjoy them year after year!
