Mums are the stars of fall gardens, bringing beautiful bursts of color when everything else starts fading away. But keeping them healthy and vibrant in Nevada’s dry climate can be tricky.
Without proper care, these gorgeous flowers can turn brown and crispy before autumn even ends. Follow these practical tips to help your mums stay fresh and blooming throughout the entire season.
1. Water Deeply And Consistently Every Morning
Nevada’s arid conditions pull moisture from plants faster than you might expect. Mums need regular watering to combat the dry air and keep their roots hydrated.
Early morning is ideal because it gives plants time to absorb water before the sun gets intense. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger about two inches down. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until moisture reaches the roots, not just the surface.
Consistency matters more than quantity, so establish a routine your mums can depend on.
2. Choose A Spot With Afternoon Shade
Full sun sounds perfect for flowers, but Nevada’s intense afternoon rays can actually damage mums. Too much direct sunlight during peak hours causes petals to dry out and turn crispy fast.
Look for locations that get morning sun but have protection during the hottest part of the day. A spot near a fence, under a tree, or on the east side of your house works wonderfully. Filtered light keeps blooms vibrant without overwhelming the plant.
Balance is key for long-lasting color.
3. Add Mulch To Lock In Soil Moisture
Bare soil loses water incredibly quickly in Nevada’s climate. A protective layer of mulch acts like a blanket, keeping moisture trapped where roots need it most.
Spread two to three inches of organic mulch around the base of each plant, being careful not to pile it against the stems. Wood chips, shredded bark, or compost all work great. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, preventing roots from getting too hot during warm fall afternoons.
Your mums will thank you with healthier growth.
4. Deadhead Spent Blooms Regularly
Removing faded flowers might seem like extra work, but it actually helps your mums produce more blooms. When old flowers stay on the plant, they signal that it’s time to make seeds instead of new petals.
Simply pinch off brown or wilted flowers at their base using your fingers or small scissors. Do this every few days to keep plants looking fresh and encourage continuous flowering. Deadheading also improves air circulation, which reduces disease risk in Nevada’s variable fall weather.
5. Feed With Balanced Fertilizer Monthly
Mums work hard producing all those gorgeous blooms, and they need proper nutrition to keep going strong. Without adequate feeding, plants weaken and become more susceptible to drying out.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every three to four weeks throughout fall. Follow package directions carefully to avoid overfeeding, which can damage roots. Fertilizer supports healthy foliage and encourages continuous flower production. Strong, well-fed plants handle Nevada’s challenging conditions much better than hungry ones struggling to survive.
6. Protect Plants From Harsh Desert Winds
Wind is often overlooked, but it’s one of the biggest threats to mums in Nevada. Strong gusts strip moisture from leaves and flowers, causing rapid dehydration and that dreaded crispy texture.
Position pots near walls, fences, or other structures that block wind. If plants are in exposed areas, consider creating temporary windbreaks using stakes and burlap. Even a little protection makes a significant difference in how long blooms stay fresh and vibrant throughout the unpredictable fall season.
7. Use Containers With Excellent Drainage
Proper drainage prevents two major problems: waterlogged roots and uneven moisture levels. Both issues stress mums and lead to crispy, unhealthy plants.
Choose pots with multiple drainage holes at the bottom. Avoid saucers that hold standing water, which can cause root rot even in dry climates. Quality potting soil designed for containers helps water flow through properly while retaining just enough moisture. Well-drained containers give you better control over watering, which is essential for success in Nevada’s tricky climate conditions.