How Much Water Do Mums Need?

Mums need plenty of water to stay healthy, but you can do several things to help them thrive.

For starters, it’s important to water them from the base, avoiding fungal growth.

If you’re wondering how much water Mums need, here’s what I know:

Mums should be watered weekly, about an inch of water is adequate to ensure your Mums grow healthy and bloom. However, water your Mums 2 to 3 times per week when you notice that the plant’s lower leaves are turning to brown and when there’s no rain for a long time.

Full sunlight is essential to mum blooming, so you should water them when their buds are just beginning to open.

They will retain their vibrant colors for the longest, but if they get too dry, they will start losing them.

Once they’re restored, they can withstand dry weather.

Fall mums

To determine how much water your mums need, look at the soil’s drainage holes. Pour water into the soil, and make sure that it runs off through these holes. If you have a container, put the mums in it, and then fill the bucket with water.

Mums are very absorbent, so water at the base of the plant rather than on top. Make sure you do this at least once a week during the growing season.

To extend the life of your mums, divide them every three to four years. The center section will become thin and irregular, while the outer sections will be full and round.

The center root may also become woody, while the outside roots are younger and healthier. Divided mums should be planted at least 18 inches apart. Choose a garden soil that is rich in organic matter, and be sure to use the soil as directed.

If you’re unable to grow mums outdoors, you can choose to overwinter them indoors. Put them in a pot and store them in a cool, dark place.

A basement or shed might be too cold, so cover the pot with an old blanket or newspaper.

Water your mums about three times a month, and do not let the soil dry out. Ideally, you should have flowers in September or October.

Potted mums

If you’re wondering how much water your potted mums need, you should start by checking the soil’s moisture.

Ideally, your potted mum needs about 1 inch of water per week. When watering, water slowly and carefully from the base of the plant to its roots. You should also check the soil every day to ensure it doesn’t become too dry or too wet.

When watering your mum, stick your finger in the soil a few times a day to make sure that the base of the pot remains moist.

When it comes to plantation, mums are best planted in a location that receives six hours of sun a day. If the soil is heavy in clay, amend it with organic matter.

Place the potted mum in the soil at the same depth as the container it came in from the nursery.

Water the potted mum once a week to avoid drying up. Throughout the growing season, you can also combine your mums with other plants such as pumpkins, cornstalks, and decorative gourds.

When choosing the right pot, it’s important to choose one that has holes for drainage. Potted mums need about an inch of water a week, but if you water your mum too much, it may rot.

As long as the soil is moist, they shouldn’t need any extra fertilizer or plant food. They’ll need water for a week or so, and you should monitor their watering habits as they grow.

Perennial mums

The best way to care for mums is by dividing them every few years. To divide them, dig them up from the ground in the spring, and separate them along their centers.

When dividing, be sure to remove the woody center of each mum, as this will prevent the plant from thriving. If this is the case, a new mum should be planted. Fertilize the new shoots with a slow-release granular flower fertilizer.

Mums need regular feedings during their vegetative phase. Fertilizing is important for this process and you should feed them prior to flower bud formation.

Mums thrive on fertilizer and water, and a balanced mixture of 12-6-6-4 is a great option for this.

Mums are sensitive to cold, and feeding them now will encourage blooming and healthy roots. Once the danger of frost has passed, it is safe to feed mums.

When watering perennial mums, be sure to monitor moisture levels. Mums prefer moist, neutral soil with good drainage.

Potted mums need less water than a lawn, so you can avoid overwatering them. If you’re unsure, stick your finger in the soil and feel if it is dry. Alternatively, you can pick up the pot and feel if it needs water. If you notice this, it’s time to re-pot.

Potted mums in the ground

If you have a potted mum in the ground, you must remember that they need a constant supply of water. You can do so by placing the pot in a bucket of water and then leaving it there for several hours. If you leave it in the water for too long, it can drown. Another way to ensure that your mum is getting the water it needs is to stick a skewer or pencil into the soil.

When watering your potted mum, be sure to do it from below the foliage, keeping the roots moist but free of water. If you have a rainy day, you can also water the soil at the base of the plant.

However, when watering the soil from below, you limit the possibility of disease development. To prevent diseases and maintain the plant’s attractive appearance, water your potted mums in the ground once every two to three days.

During hot weather, the soil may dry out, which makes it more important to water your mums. If the soil becomes too dry, it could rot the plant.

Alternatively, you can place the potted mum in a bucket full of water and make sure to water the soil on top of the plant so that the roots are moist enough. As a general rule, mums need one inch of water a week, although they can tolerate more frequent watering if they are kept in a bucket.

Watering mums in the spring

The best way to water mums is to keep them slightly moist, but not soggy. The deeper their roots, the better their chances of surviving drought and hard freezes. The soil needs to remain moist, but not soggy, or they will suffer from root rot and other diseases.

Don’t overwater mums, either, as they won’t recover from overwatering. In fact, too much water can cause the plant to die.

When the soil cools, mums should not be watered again until the ground is firm and the soil is free of frost. During this time, you should mulch the soil, which helps retain moisture and protects the roots from hard winter freezes.

During the first winter, it is best to not prune or thin the mum foliage. Mulch the base of the plant with evergreen boughs or any other mulch that will provide additional protection from cold.

When you buy mums, look for healthy foliage and a healthy look. Overwatering the plant can result in droopy leaves and wet soil.

Watering your mums regularly will prolong the life of your flowers and prevent them from dying.

Make sure to check the soil around your mums and water them as needed. If it’s too dry, it can cause root-bound problems. However, the best way to maintain their health is to regularly check the soil and give them a good feed.

Watering mums in the fall

If you want to grow mums in containers, here are some guidelines:

Use a shallow dish to water the soil, and ensure that it drains thoroughly. If the water stays in the dish, empty it after a few hours to prevent it from rotting and becoming a source of disease.

Also, avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet while watering your mums. If possible, water the plants once a week in the fall, and once they’ve begun to bloom, they’ll be ready for their first watering in the spring.

If you’re worried about the winter months, you can plant your mums indoors, too.

In terracotta pots, you can add some color and life to your window boxes. Mums in containers make great additions to porches, decks, and windows.

Despite their relatively hardiness, they still require some attention. Here’s a few tips to help your mums stay beautiful and healthy.

Watering Mums: Summary

Mum plants will do well when watered adequately, and at the right time.

In addition, Mums should be planted in a well-drained spot that receives 6 hours of sunlight each day.

If you plan on growing mums in pots, you should amend heavy clay soil with organic matter before planting them.

For optimal blooming, it is best to plant mums in spring.

If possible, you can combine them with other autumn-growing plants like pumpkins, cornstalks, and decorative gourds.