Fall mums are a joy for Georgia gardens, but keeping them vibrant can feel tricky. The cooler months bring beauty, but also a challenge for keeping leaves lush.
With a little know-how, mums can stay healthy and stunning well into the season. Let’s explore eight smart ways to protect mums this fall in Georgia.
1. Water Deeply But Not Too Often
Georgia’s unpredictable fall weather means your mums need consistent moisture without getting waterlogged. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger about an inch deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water at the base of the plant early in the morning so leaves can dry before evening. Wet foliage overnight invites disease and promotes those crispy, brown edges you’re trying to avoid.
Deep watering encourages strong roots that help plants withstand Georgia’s occasional warm spells between cooler days.
2. Choose the Right Planting Spot
Location matters more than you might think when it comes to keeping mums happy throughout Georgia’s fall season. Mums love sunshine but can struggle when afternoon heat gets intense, even in autumn.
A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade works beautifully in Georgia, protecting leaves from scorching while providing enough light for blooms. Avoid areas near reflective surfaces like white walls or concrete that amplify heat.
Good air circulation prevents humidity buildup that causes leaf problems common in Southern gardens.
3. Mulch Around the Base Properly
A layer of mulch works wonders for Georgia mums by regulating soil temperature and retaining moisture during dry spells. Spread about two inches of organic mulch like pine straw or shredded bark around each plant.
Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from the stems to prevent rot and allow air to circulate. This simple step reduces water stress that leads to crispy leaves.
Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for nutrients your mums need to keep blooming strong all season long.
4. Feed With Balanced Fertilizer
Mums are hungry plants that need regular nutrition to produce those spectacular fall blooms Georgia gardeners love. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied every two to three weeks keeps them strong and vibrant.
Look for formulas with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support both flowers and foliage health. Avoid high-nitrogen products that push leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
Well-fed mums have the energy to resist stress and maintain healthy, non-crispy leaves throughout the entire fall season.
5. Deadhead Spent Blooms Regularly
Removing faded flowers might seem like extra work, but it’s one of the best ways to keep your Georgia mums blooming nonstop. Deadheading redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into creating fresh flowers.
Simply pinch or snip off brown, spent blooms just above the next set of leaves. This quick task takes only minutes but makes a huge difference in appearance.
Regular deadheading also improves air circulation around the plant, reducing moisture buildup that causes leaves to turn crispy and brown.
6. Protect From Extreme Temperature Swings
Georgia’s fall weather can be unpredictable, with warm afternoons followed by chilly nights that stress your mums. Temperature fluctuations cause leaves to dry out and turn crispy at the edges.
When frost is forecast, cover plants with lightweight fabric or move containers to protected areas like porches. Remove covers once temperatures rise to prevent overheating.
Consistent temperatures help mums maintain healthy foliage and continue blooming beautifully instead of shutting down early from weather shock.
7. Avoid Overhead Watering Methods
Sprinklers and overhead watering might seem convenient, but they’re terrible for mums in Georgia’s humid fall climate. Water sitting on leaves promotes fungal diseases and leaf scorch that creates those ugly crispy patches.
Soaker hoses or drip irrigation deliver water directly to roots where it’s needed most. Hand watering at the base works great too if you’re patient.
Keeping foliage dry means healthier plants with vibrant green leaves that complement your gorgeous fall blooms perfectly all season.
8. Plant at the Right Depth
Many Georgia gardeners accidentally plant their mums too deep or too shallow, which stresses the roots and leads to leaf problems. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil surface.
Planting too deep suffocates roots and causes lower leaves to yellow and crisp up. Too shallow leaves roots exposed to temperature swings and drying out quickly.
Proper planting depth gives your mums the stable foundation they need to thrive throughout fall with healthy, attractive foliage from top to bottom.