Keeping mums looking fresh all fall in Utah can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable. I’ve lost a few to crisp leaves before figuring out what they really need.
With just a bit of care, those blooms stay bright long after the first chill. Give them some attention now, and they’ll stay cheerful right through the season.
1. Water Deeply and Consistently
Mums are thirsty plants that need regular drinks to stay fresh. Utah’s dry climate means you’ll want to water them deeply every few days, checking the soil with your finger first.
Aim for moist soil, not soggy or bone-dry. Morning watering works best since it gives leaves time to dry before evening.
Consistent moisture keeps those blooms popping and prevents leaves from turning crispy around the edges, which is super common in Utah’s low-humidity environment.
2. Mulch Around the Base
Adding a layer of mulch around your mums acts like a cozy blanket for the roots. Organic mulch such as shredded bark or compost helps soil retain moisture longer, which is crucial in Utah’s arid conditions.
Spread about two to three inches around the plant base, keeping it away from the stems. This simple step reduces watering frequency and protects roots from temperature swings.
Your mums will thank you with healthier foliage and fewer crispy leaves throughout the season.
3. Provide Afternoon Shade
While mums love sunshine, Utah’s intense afternoon rays can scorch their delicate leaves. Positioning your plants where they get morning sun but afternoon shade makes a huge difference.
A spot under a tree or on the east side of your house works perfectly. If they’re already planted in full sun, consider adding a shade cloth during the hottest part of the day.
This balance keeps blooms vibrant without stressing the plant or causing those frustrating brown, crispy edges.
4. Deadhead Spent Blooms Regularly
Pinching off faded flowers isn’t just about looks—it actually encourages your mums to produce more blooms. When flowers die, the plant puts energy into making seeds instead of new blossoms.
Grab those spent blooms between your fingers and snap them off at the stem. Do this every few days throughout fall, and you’ll notice your mums staying fuller and more colorful.
Utah gardeners find this trick especially helpful for extending the blooming season well into October and sometimes November.
5. Feed with Balanced Fertilizer
Mums are heavy feeders that benefit from regular nutrients during their blooming period. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks keeps them strong and healthy.
Look for formulas with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Mix according to package directions and water it in well.
Proper feeding helps Utah mums maintain their gorgeous colors and prevents leaves from yellowing or crisping up. Stop fertilizing once temperatures drop consistently below freezing, as plants naturally slow down their growth.
6. Monitor for Pests and Disease
Aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew love attacking stressed mums, especially in Utah’s variable fall weather. Check the undersides of leaves weekly for tiny bugs or white powdery spots.
Catch problems early by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues, so avoid crowding plants together.
Healthy, pest-free mums channel all their energy into producing beautiful blooms instead of fighting off invaders, keeping foliage green and crisp-free throughout the season.
7. Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Root rot from soggy soil is a major killer of mums, turning leaves crispy and brown from the bottom up. Utah’s clay-heavy soil can trap too much water, so amending it matters.
Mix in compost or perlite to improve drainage before planting. Mums need moisture but hate sitting in puddles.
Well-draining soil lets roots breathe while still holding enough water to keep plants hydrated. Container-grown mums should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which is especially important during Utah’s occasional fall rainstorms.
8. Protect from Early Frost
Utah’s unpredictable fall weather can bring surprise frosts that zap tender mum leaves overnight. Covering your plants with lightweight frost cloth when temperatures dip below 32 degrees saves your blooms.
Old bedsheets work too—just drape them over plants in the evening and remove them once morning sun appears. Potted mums can be moved to protected areas like porches or garages.
This extra effort extends your mum season by weeks, keeping flowers fresh and leaves crisp-free even when neighbors’ plants have turned brown.