They perform best in rich, organic soils with good drainage.
Mums are shallow rooted and require regular watering to maintain soil moisture in the root zone.
Plants perform best when soil is moist, but not too wet.
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In general, mums require one inch of water per week.
Mums thrive in full sun but may need a bit of protection from the afternoon sun in hot climates.
Plants grown in too much shade will grow leggy and produce fewer blooms.
However, mums are perennial plants and can be overwintered in the garden in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Mums have a shallow root system that is sensitive to drying out.
On the other hand, overly wet soil can lead to root rot.
Plants typically require one deep watering every seven to ten days, however several factors can impact watering frequency.
Plants growing in sandy soils may require more frequent irrigation, as will plants growing under intense sunlight.
Plants may also need more water when temperatures soar.
The best way to tell if mums need water is to feel the soil.
Stick your finger into the ground near the base of the plant, about two inches deep.
If the soil is dry, its time to water.
If the soil is still moist you could hold off on watering.
Make a habit of regularly checking soil moisture and water when it feels dry to the touch.
Also pay attention to signs of water stress, such as wilting or brown foliage.
If you notice these signs, give plants a deep drink as soon as possible.
Water mums at the base of the plant and keep the foliage dry to prevent foliar diseases.
Irrigate slowly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil.
It is a good idea to apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture.
Containers have less soil mass and dry out more quickly than garden soils.
In summer and early fall, containers may require water every one to two days.
Watering frequency may change as temperatures cool.
Use the finger test to check soil moisture just as you would for garden plants.
Lifting containers to feel their weight is also telling.
If the container feels very light it may be time to water.
It is a good idea to maintain consistent moisture in containers.
The soil mixes used in containers are very lightweight and have excellent drainage, which promotes healthy root development.
However, many potting mixes tend to be difficult to re-wet once they dry out.
Avoid letting potting soil dry out between watering.
Water plants thoroughly when the upper one to two inches feel dry to the touch.
Another way to water containers is from the bottom up.
Let plants soak for about 30 minutes, then remove them from the soaking tub or dish.
Allow any excess water to drain away.
Bottom watering is a good way to water containers that have become too dry.
Avoid Overwatering Plants
Overwatering plants can be just as detrimental as underwatering.
Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the signs and symptoms of overwatering versus underwatering.
Both can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves.
With overwatering, foliage tends to turn black and mushy following the yellow discoloration, a sign of disease.
The best way to determine if you are overwatering is to check the soil.
If it looks or feels wet, identify the reason for the excess water.
Have you been watering too often?
Does the container have adequate drainage holes?
These problems are easily remedied.
The best way to maintain healthy mums is to simply keep an eye on them.
Walk the garden and check soil moisture as needed.
