How to Bring Mums Back to Life

In fall, gardens and landscapes often burst with the vibrant blooms of mums. These flowers with their striking colors from sunny yellows and fiery reds to deep purples and crisp whites epitomize autumn’s beauty.

Mums bloom when many other plants are winding down, they provide a much-needed burst of color and life. However, as robust as they appear, mums can sometimes challenge gardeners by wilting or appearing lifeless, especially after a long, hot summer or a particularly wet season.

Mums
Mums
Scientific Name Chrysanthemum
Common Name Mums, Chrysanthemums
Plant Type Perennial
Height 1 to 3 feet
Flower Color yellow, white, red, purple, pink, orange
Bloom Time Late summer to fall
Hardiness Zones 5-9
Soil Type Well-draining soil
Water Requirements Moderate
Light Requirements Full sun to partial shade

 

Pruning and Cleaning

By removing dead or wilted flowers, leaves, and stems, you’re helping your mums redirect their energy to produce vibrant, new blooms. Plus, pruning helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can easily take hold in decaying plant material.

When pruning mums, you should use sharp, clean pruning shears. This is crucial because dull or dirty tools can damage the plant or even introduce disease. Trim away any dead or wilted parts and make your cuts at a 45-degree angle.

Pruning and Cleaning
Pruning and Cleaning

In addition, you should remove any debris and dead plant material from the base of the plant. This not only improves air circulation but it also makes your garden look tidier.

 

Watering

Tired and dry mums are a gardener’s worst nightmare. The once vibrant petals are now a crispy brown. More often than not, the culprit is a lack of water.

To rescue your thirsty mums, start by checking the soil moisture. Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil near the plant’s base. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s definitely time to water.

During the hot summer months, mums might need watering every other day, but as the weather cools in fall, you can reduce the frequency. After a heavy rain, you might not need to water, whereas a dry, windy day might require an extra drink for your plants.

Watering
Watering

Soak the soil thoroughly so that water penetrates deeply into the ground as the roots are the plant’s lifeline. However, be careful not to overdo it. Mums dislike having their roots sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

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Fertilizing

Nitrogen deficiency often shows up as yellowing leaves, while a lack of phosphorus might stunt growth and reduce flowering. For mums, a balanced fertilizer is essential. I prefer using a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend.

When applying fertilizer, follow the instructions on the package carefully. Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing. I typically mix the fertilizer with water and apply it to the soil around the base of the plants, making sure not to splash it on the leaves.

Fertilizing
Fertilizing

Besides, I also add organic matter such as compost to save money. Compost not only enriches the soil but also improves its structure, enhancing water retention and aeration. I usually spread a layer of compost around my mums and gently work it into the top few inches of soil.

 

Replanting or Repotting

I remember one autumn when my mums looked wilted despite my best watering efforts. Digging them up, I discovered their roots were bound and struggling. That’s when I learned the importance of checking root health.

First, gently remove your mums from their current spot and examine the roots. Healthy roots are white or light tan and feel firm to the touch. If you notice black, mushy roots, this indicates root rot, often caused by overwatering. Prune away any damaged roots with clean shears before repotting or replanting.

If you’re repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and has good drainage holes. Fill it with a well-draining soil mix. I like to use a combination of potting soil, perlite, and compost to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability. Place the mum in the new pot, filling in around the roots with soil, and water thoroughly.

For replanting in the garden, select a location that receives plenty of sunlight, ideally six hours a day, and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your mum, place the plant in the hole, and fill it with soil. Press down gently and water well to settle the roots.

 

Pest and Disease Control

Common pests affecting your mums include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids are small and can be green, black, or red, while spider mites are even tinier and often leave webbing on the plant. Caterpillars, on the other hand, chew on the leaves, leaving visible holes.

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Pest and Disease Control
Pest and Disease Control

For pest control, I prefer starting with natural treatments. A strong blast of water can dislodge many pests, and neem oil is an effective organic solution. However, if the infestation is severe, chemical treatments like insecticidal soaps or systemic insecticides might be necessary.

Although possessing a chemical called pyrethrin to control diseases, this plant faces powdery mildew and botrytis with white, powdery spots or gray mold on flowers and leaves. Therefore, you need to remove affected parts of the plant and apply fungicides or bactericides.

 

Providing Optimal Conditions

If your mums return wilting, they can show signs of sunlight shortage. Ideally, they should get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. When they don’t get enough light, they become leggy and produce fewer blooms. If your mums are in a shaded spot, consider relocating them to a sunnier area in your garden.

Providing Optimal Conditions
Providing Optimal Conditions

In addition, you also notice that they flourish best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. During unexpected heatwaves, I provide extra water and some shade to prevent stress.

 

Protecting from Frost

As fall transitions into winter, frost becomes a significant concern for mums. One year, I lost a whole batch of mums because I underestimated the first frost’s impact.

Protecting from Frost
Protecting from Frost

If you have potted mums, the easiest solution is to move them indoors or to a sheltered location when frost is forecasted. Even a covered porch can provide enough shelter to ward off frost damage. It’s a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it when you see your mums continue to thrive indoors.

For mums planted directly in the garden, using frost cloths or blankets is a practical solution. I keep a stash of old blankets and specialized frost cloths ready as soon as the temperatures start to dip. In the morning, once the temperature rises, I remove the coverings to let the plants breathe and soak up sunlight.

 

Improving Soil Quality

If you have tried the above methods and your mums are still wilted, the reason can be from your soil. Mums enjoy rich, fertile soils and have good drainage. Instead of fertilizer, you can amend the soil with well-rotted manure around your mums. This organic matter significantly boosts the soil’s fertility and gives mums the nourishment they need to flourish.

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Moreover, you should test the soil regularly, usually once a year. Based on the results, you can adjust your fertilizing and composting routines to keep the soil in optimal condition.

Improving Soil Quality
Improving Soil Quality

 

FAQs

What to do with dead potted mums?

If your dead potted mums are disease-free, you should make use of them to do DIY compost.

 

Why do mums turn brown?

Mums can turn brown due to several reasons: underwatering, overwatering, poor soil drainage, nutrient deficiencies, or exposure to frost. Regularly checking soil moisture, ensuring good drainage, fertilizing properly, and protecting from frost can help prevent browning.

 

What should I do with my potted mums after they bloom?

After blooming, you should deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Continue to water and fertilize your mums, and consider repotting them into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.

 

Is my mum dead or dormant?

To determine if your mum is dead or dormant, check the stems and roots. If the stems are brittle and snap easily, or if the roots are black and mushy, the plant is likely dead. If the stems bend without breaking and the roots are firm and light-colored, the plant is probably dormant.

 

How to Bring Mums Back to Life: 8 Simple Tips
How to Bring Mums Back to Life: 8 Simple Tips

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