Chrysanthemums, or mums, are the quintessential flower of the autumn season, providing a brilliant display of color when other plants begin to fade. To ensure these plants maintain vibrant blooms and survive the transition into colder weather, a precise approach to watering is necessary. Managing moisture levels in the fall is the most important factor for maximizing your mum’s health and preparing it for winter survival. This care routine allows the plant to focus its energy on flowering while establishing the root strength needed to endure dormancy.
Determining When to Water
Watering frequency should never follow a rigid schedule but must be dictated by the soil’s moisture level. The most reliable method is the finger test: insert a finger one to two inches deep into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil at this depth feels dry, water the chrysanthemum thoroughly. Allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly prevents fungal diseases, but the root zone beneath must remain consistently moist to support active growth and flowering.
Watering Frequency for Actively Blooming Mums
When mums are actively covered in buds and flowers, their water demand is at its peak due to transpiration through the dense foliage. In warmer early autumn days, this may require a deep soak every two to three days, especially if the plant receives full sun. Apply water slowly and directly to the soil at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and blooms, which encourages fungal issues. Deep watering encourages a robust, deep root system. Wilting foliage signals underwatering, while yellowing lower leaves and mushy stems indicate overwatering and potential root rot.
Adjusting Water Based on Planting Location
The planting location—whether a container or the ground—creates the most significant variation in fall watering requirements. Mums planted in containers dry out much faster than those in garden beds because the soil volume is limited and the pot walls expose the soil to air. Potted mums often require daily checks and may need water every one to two days in warmer weather to maintain consistent moisture. Conversely, mums planted directly in the garden benefit from the insulating effect of surrounding soil, which retains moisture far longer. In-ground plants typically require one deep watering every seven to ten days, depending on rainfall and soil type; heavy clay needs less frequent watering, while sandy soil requires more regular irrigation.
Preparing Mums for Winter Dormancy
As the blooming season concludes and temperatures drop near freezing, the plant naturally enters dormancy. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the plant’s metabolic rate slows down. The stems and foliage can be cut back after the first frost, but avoid completely cutting off water during the entire winter period for perennial mums. Before the ground freezes solid, provide one final, deep watering to ensure the roots are fully hydrated for the winter. Throughout the dormant months, keep the soil slightly moist, not saturated, to prevent the roots from completely drying out.