Fall in Arizona brings a unique challenge for mum lovers – our scorching heat can quickly turn those beautiful blooms into crispy remnants.
Chrysanthemums add vibrant color to autumn gardens, but our desert climate demands special attention to keep them thriving. With these simple tricks, you can enjoy your mums throughout the entire fall season.
1. Choose Heat-Resistant Varieties
Garden centers offer specific mum varieties bred to handle Arizona’s intense climate. Look for labels mentioning heat tolerance or desert adaptability when shopping.
Cushion mums and decorative varieties typically perform better in our region than the delicate exhibition types. Their sturdy stems and dense flower structure help them withstand both heat and occasional wind.
2. Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade
Position your potted mums where they’ll catch gentle morning sunlight but escape the harsh afternoon rays. Eastern exposures work wonderfully for this purpose.
Moving containers under patio covers or beneath the canopy of larger plants after midday provides crucial protection. Remember that in Arizona, even fall sun packs intense UV that can quickly dehydrate delicate blooms.
3. Establish A Consistent Watering Schedule
Arizona’s dry air pulls moisture from plants constantly. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry – typically every other day during moderate fall temps, and possibly daily when temperatures climb.
Early morning watering gives roots time to absorb moisture before evaporation kicks in. Always water at soil level rather than overhead to prevent fungal issues on foliage.
4. Apply Mulch To Retain Moisture
Spread a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around your mums to lock in precious moisture. Pine needles, shredded bark, or even small pebbles create an effective barrier against evaporation.
Mulch also regulates soil temperature, preventing the rapid heating and cooling cycles that stress plants in our climate. Keep mulch slightly away from stems to avoid rot issues in our occasionally humid fall weather.
5. Feed With Diluted Fertilizer
Hungry mums benefit from light feeding even during blooming season. Mix water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength and apply every two weeks to extend flower production.
Phosphorus-rich formulas (the middle number in fertilizer ratios) encourage prolific blooming. Avoid high-nitrogen options that stimulate leafy growth at the expense of flowers – exactly what we don’t want for fall display plants!
6. Remove Spent Blooms Regularly
Deadheading – removing faded flowers – signals plants to produce more blooms rather than setting seed. Snip spent flowers just above the next set of healthy leaves using clean scissors.
Make this a morning ritual while temperatures are cooler. Beyond encouraging more flowers, removing dead material improves air circulation, reducing disease risk during our occasional humid fall days when monsoon moisture lingers.
7. Shield From Desert Winds
Fall brings gusty winds that can damage delicate mum stems and accelerate moisture loss. Create windbreaks using decorative screens, larger container plants, or temporary burlap barriers around your chrysanthemum display.
Grouping potted mums together also creates a microclimate that retains humidity. The plants shield each other while creating a more impressive color display – a win-win for both plant health and visual appeal!
8. Use Breathable Container Materials
Terra cotta pots allow excess moisture to evaporate through their porous walls – crucial for preventing root rot in our unpredictable fall weather patterns. Their weight also prevents toppling during gusty days.
Avoid black plastic containers that absorb heat and cook delicate roots. If using decorative non-porous containers, ensure excellent drainage and consider double-potting – placing the nursery pot inside the decorative one with space between.
9. Mist Foliage During Dry Spells
Combat Arizona’s single-digit humidity with occasional leaf misting in early morning. Fill a spray bottle with room-temperature water and lightly mist the foliage, avoiding direct spray on open blooms.
This simple trick creates temporary humidity around plants, reducing transpiration stress. Never mist during midday heat – water droplets can act like magnifying glasses, burning delicate petals under intense sunlight.
10. Bring Indoors During Temperature Extremes
Arizona’s fall can deliver 90-degree days followed by chilly nights in the 40s. Move potted mums indoors or to protected areas when extreme temperature swings are forecast.
Place temporarily relocated plants near bright windows but away from heating vents that accelerate drying. Return them outdoors when temperatures moderate. This shuttle system requires extra effort but dramatically extends blooming periods through unpredictable weather.