Mums, or Chrysanthemums, are some of the most popular flowers for gardens and homes. With a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes available, it’s no surprise that they are a favorite among gardeners. But how often should you water them?
The answer depends on a few factors; everything from the climate in your area to the size of your pot will affect how frequently you need to give your mums a drink.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what goes into determining how often you should water them and give you some tips on how to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
About mums
Mums are a type of flower that is often used in decorative arrangements. They are typically found in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and their blooms vary in size. They are known for their hardiness and long-lasting nature, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor displays. While they are not typically known for their fragrance, some varieties do have a light scent.
The history of mums
These flowers have been used in the United States since the early 1900s. They were first introduced by German immigrants who brought them over from their homeland. The tradition of giving mums to loved ones began in Europe, and the custom quickly caught on in America.
These flowers are often given as gifts for special occasions such as Mother’s Day, births, and anniversaries. But they can also be given just because. Mums are a symbol of love and appreciation, and they let the recipient know that they are thought of fondly.
Giving mums is a time-honored tradition that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
How to care for them
| Feature | Mums |
| Watering Needs | This plant needs to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. |
| Soil | Mums prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.0). They also benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil. |
| Pruning | They should be deadheaded (removal of spent blooms) regularly throughout the blooming period to encourage more blooms. Cut them back to the base of the plant after the first hard frost. |
| Propagating | Mums can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. They can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the summer or fall. |
| Potting | Chrysanthemums should be planted in pots that have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. They should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and given a stake for support if necessary. |
| Bloom | Mums typically bloom in the fall. The exact timing of blooming can vary depending on the variety and the climate. |
| Light | This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. If grown indoors, place them in a sunny window. |
| Sun Exposure | Mums should be planted in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, they should be placed in a sunny window. |
| Toxicity | Mums are not toxic to humans or pets. |
Mums are a beautiful addition to any home, and with the right care, they can last for years. Here are some tips on how to keep them looking their best:
- Water regularly, being careful not to overwater,
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season,
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth,
- In late fall, cut back the stems and leaves, leaving about 6 inches of growth,
- Mulch around the plants to protect them from cold weather,
- Bring indoor plants inside before the frost hits.
With a little love and attention, your flowers will be blooming beauties for seasons to come!
The Importance of Watering
Mums are a beautiful addition to any home, and they can brighten up any space. However, they require regular watering in order to stay healthy and thrive. If you’re wondering how often you should water, the answer is typically every three to four days.
During the hotter months, you may need to water mums more frequently. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water your flowers. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
In addition to watering, be sure to fertilize them regularly. This will help them grow strong and healthy roots. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
When should you water mums?
The best time of day to water mums is in the morning, before the sun gets too hot. This gives the plants time to absorb the water before it evaporates.
Tips for Watering Mums
Mums need a lot of water, especially when they are first getting established. Here are some tips for watering them:
- Water them deeply and thoroughly, making sure to wet the entire root system
- Water mums in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall. This will help prevent fungal diseases
- If possible, use drip irrigation or soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to water mums. This will help reduce leaf diseases
- Make sure the soil around mums is always evenly moist, but not soggy or wet. They prefer a moist environment but cannot tolerate sitting in water
Can they survive inside during winter?
As soon as the weather starts to turn cold, many of us start to think about bringing our potted plants indoors. But what about mums? Can they survive the winter if we keep them inside?
The short answer is yes, they can survive inside during winter. However, there are a few things you need to do to make sure they stay healthy.
First, it’s important to acclimate your mums gradually to indoor conditions. Start by moving them into a protected area such as a garage or porch for a few days. Then, move them inside for a week or two before putting them in their final location. This will help them adjust to the lower light and humidity levels inside your home.
Once they’re indoors, place your flowers in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal. If you don’t have one of those, you can supplement with grow lights.
Water your flowers when the soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Indoor mums also benefit from regular misting with water to raise the humidity levels around them.
Can mums be left in the rain?
Mums are pretty tough plants and can withstand a lot of abuse, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. If you leave them out in the rain for too long, they will eventually start to wilt and die.
It’s not just the rain that can kill them, though. If the temperature gets too cold, they will also start to die. So if you’re going to leave them outside, make sure to bring them inside or put them in a protected area when the temperature starts to drop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these flowers require regular watering to thrive in their environment. While the exact frequency of watering depends on a variety of factors, they should be watered at least twice per week and checked for signs of wilting or dehydration between waterings. With the right amount of care and attention, you can create a healthy and beautiful mum garden that will last throughout the entire season.
