Texas fall gardening can be tricky, especially keeping mums looking fresh. I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make mums last longer without crispy edges.
It’s about timing, care, and a little attention. Here are 10 ways to keep Texas mums thriving all season.
1. Water Early in the Morning
Morning watering gives your mums the moisture they need before Texas temperatures climb. Water soaks into the soil and reaches roots efficiently when the air is still cool.
Watering later in the day means water evaporates before plants can drink it up. Early hydration helps mums stay perky through those hot Texas afternoons that can stress even the toughest plants.
2. Provide Afternoon Shade
Texas afternoon sun can be brutal on mums, even during fall. Placing your plants where they get morning light but afternoon shade prevents leaf scorching.
A spot under a tree or on a covered porch works perfectly. Your mums will reward you with healthier foliage and brighter blooms when protected from that intense Texas heat.
3. Mulch to Lock in Moisture
Adding a two-inch layer of mulch around your mums acts like a blanket for their roots. Mulch keeps soil cooler and prevents water from evaporating too quickly in the Texas heat.
Pine bark, wood chips, or even shredded leaves work great. Just keep mulch away from stems to avoid rot and let your plants breathe properly.
4. Check Soil Moisture Daily
Stick your finger about an inch into the soil each day to feel if it’s dry. Mums hate sitting in soggy dirt, but they also can’t handle drying out completely.
Texas weather changes fast, so daily checks help you catch problems early. When the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water your thirsty mums again.
5. Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties
Not all mums handle Texas heat equally well. Garden mums bred for southern climates tolerate high temperatures better than fancy florist varieties.
Look for labels mentioning heat tolerance when shopping at Texas nurseries. Varieties like Belgian mums or garden-hardy types stand up to our challenging fall weather much better than delicate indoor types.
6. Feed with Balanced Fertilizer
Mums need nutrients to produce all those gorgeous fall flowers. A balanced fertilizer every two weeks keeps plants strong and blooming beautifully.
Look for formulas with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium numbers. Feeding your Texas mums regularly helps them resist stress from heat and keeps leaves green instead of crispy and brown.
7. Deadhead Spent Blooms Regularly
Pinching off dead flowers encourages your mums to produce more blooms. Old flowers drain energy that could go toward fresh, colorful buds instead.
Spend a few minutes each week removing brown or faded blooms from your Texas mums. This simple task keeps plants looking tidy and extends the flowering season well into fall.
8. Improve Drainage in Containers
Soggy roots spell disaster for mums, causing leaves to turn brown and crispy. Make sure pots have plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
Add gravel or broken pottery pieces before soil to improve water flow. Good drainage matters even more in Texas, where sudden rainstorms can waterlog containers and damage your beautiful mums quickly.
9. Protect from Sudden Temperature Drops
Texas weather loves to surprise us with sudden cold snaps, even in fall. When temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees, cover your mums with lightweight fabric.
A simple bed sheet or frost cloth works perfectly to protect tender leaves. Remove covers once morning temperatures rise so your mums can soak up sunshine again.
10. Space Plants for Air Circulation
Crowded mums trap humidity around leaves, inviting fungal diseases that cause browning and crispiness. Give each plant at least 18 inches of breathing room.
Good airflow helps leaves dry quickly after watering or rain, which is crucial in humid Texas conditions. Proper spacing also lets each mum show off its full, rounded shape beautifully.