Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, bring a burst of color to the autumn landscape just as most other plants begin to fade. Successfully planting and establishing mums in Texas requires strategic timing due to the state’s challenging climate, including intense summer heat and varied winter conditions. The ideal planting window depends entirely on the gardener’s goal, specifically whether the plant is intended for temporary decoration or long-term perennial establishment.
The Critical Difference: Decorative vs. Perennial Mums
The timing of chrysanthemum planting is linked to the type of mum purchased and its intended lifespan. Most mums sold in the fall are decorative, or florist, mums, bred for maximum immediate bloom. These plants are often root-bound and have put all their energy into flowering, leaving them ill-equipped to establish a robust root system before winter.
Decorative mums are best treated as annuals; they should be planted immediately upon purchase in the late summer or fall for temporary seasonal color. They can be placed directly into the ground or a container, but their chance of returning the following year is low due to insufficient root development. Perennial, or hardy, mums, are varieties bred to survive winter and return reliably, but they require significant time to establish roots before cold or extreme heat arrives.
Planting perennial mums is a long-term strategy, prioritizing root growth over immediate flowering. For these hardy varieties to thrive and survive the Texas climate, they require a minimum of six to eight weeks to establish a strong root mass before the first hard freeze or the onset of severe summer heat.
Ideal Planting Windows by Texas Region
The best time to plant perennial mums in Texas is determined by the local climate, particularly the timing of the last spring and first fall frosts. Allowing a long establishment period is paramount for the plant’s survival. In all regions, planting in early spring is the most reliable way to ensure a hardy mum returns the following fall.
North Texas (e.g., Dallas, Amarillo)
The most reliable window for planting perennial mums in North Texas is early spring, typically from late February to April. This timing allows the plant to focus its energy on developing a deep, resilient root system throughout the moderate spring and early summer. By the time the intense heat of July and August arrives, the mum is established enough to withstand the stress.
While you can plant in the fall, it is riskier for long-term survival in this region. If planting in autumn, it must be done early, ideally in late August or early September, giving the plant at least six weeks before the average first hard freeze. Fall-planted mums must be heavily mulched to protect their young roots through the winter.
Central Texas (e.g., Austin, San Antonio)
Central Texas has a slightly extended planting season, but spring remains the preferred time for perennial establishment. Planting can occur from late February through May, capitalizing on the warmer soil temperatures that encourage root growth. The goal is still to have a fully rooted plant before the high summer temperatures arrive.
Fall planting in this area should be completed by mid-September at the latest. Due to less severe winters, fall planting is slightly more feasible than in North Texas, but the primary threat is lingering summer heat, which can stress unestablished plants. Giving the mum maximum time to root before the heat breaks is essential for survival.
South Texas (e.g., Houston, Corpus Christi)
The mild winters and intense, prolonged heat of South Texas present a unique challenge, making fall planting a more viable option than in other regions. Planting in very late fall, around October or November, is often acceptable because the mild winter allows roots to slowly establish without the immediate threat of a hard freeze. This strategy avoids having the plant attempt to establish during the scorching summer months.
Very early spring is also an option, but gardeners must ensure the plant is well-protected and consistently watered to survive the rapid transition to extreme summer heat. In this region, the plant needs to avoid the summer establishment phase, making a late fall or very early spring planting window the most effective approach for long-term survival.
Essential Steps for Successful Transplanting
Once the correct timing for the region is chosen, proper transplanting techniques maximize the mum’s chances of survival. Chrysanthemums require a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, for optimal bloom production. However, in the intense Texas climate, the plant benefits from protection from the most severe afternoon sun during the establishment phase.
Mums require well-draining soil, as they will quickly succumb to root rot if left in standing water. Amending the planting site with organic material, such as compost, improves drainage and provides the fertile environment mums prefer. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container, ensuring the crown of the plant remains level with the surrounding soil.
After planting, water the mum deeply to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots. Consistent moisture is necessary during the establishment phase to support root development, but the soil should never become waterlogged. Finally, to encourage a bushier plant with more flowers in the fall, new stem growth should be pinched back by about an inch every few weeks until mid-July or early August in the South, which directs the plant’s energy into lateral branching rather than tall, leggy growth.