For Texas gardeners, knowing when to plant mums is the key to a spectacular fall display. The timing is everything in our unique climate, and getting it right means your chrysanthemums will thrive through the season.
Our hot, long summers and variable winters require a specific schedule. Planting at the optimal time gives the roots a chance to establish before blooming. This leads to healthier, more resilient plants that burst with color right when you want them too.
When To Plant Mums In Texas
The golden rule for Texas is simple: plant in the spring, not the fall. While garden centers are full of blooming mums in autumn, those are best treated as temporary decor. For perennial mums that return year after year, spring planting is non-negotiable.
Aim to get your mums in the ground between mid-March and late April. This window can shift slightly depending on your specific region within Texas. The goal is to allow the plant to focus all its energy on growing a strong root system and lush foliage during the summer. Then, as days shorten in fall, it will be robust enough to support its famous blooms.
Why Spring Planting Beats Fall Planting
Fall-planted mums often struggle to survive our Texas summer the following year. Here’s why spring planting makes all the difference:
* Root Establishment: A spring-planted mum spends months developing deep, extensive roots. These roots anchor the plant and access water deep in the soil, which is critical for surviving our intense heat.
* Heat Preparedness: When the July and August sun arrives, an established plant is far better equipped to handle the stress. A fall-planted mum enters summer with a weak root system and frequently succumbs.
* Perennial Success: Mums are true perennials, but they need time to adapt. Giving them a full growing season ensures they go dormant properly in winter and return vigorously the next spring.
Texas Regional Planting Guide
Texas has multiple climate zones, so let’s break it down. Your location can fine-tune your planting schedule.
North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock)
Spring arrives a bit later here, and winters can be colder. The ideal planting time is from late March through April. Watch for the last frost date to pass. A light mulch in the first winter can help new plants.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco)
This region has a longer growing season. You can start planting a little earlier, from mid-March to mid-April. The summer heat is intense, so earlier planting gives roots maximum time to grow before the peak heat.
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi, Valley)
With very mild winters and early springs, you can plant as early as February or March. The primary challenge here is humidity and drainage. Ensure excellent soil aeration to prevent root rot during humid periods.
Choosing the Right Mum for Texas Heat
Not all mums are created equal for our conditions. Look for varieties known for their heat and drought tolerance. Some reliable choices for Texas include:
* ‘Ryan’s Gain’: A strong, early bloomer with pink flowers.
* ‘Mammoth’ Series: Known for its large, daisy-like flowers and tough nature.
* ‘Clara Curtis’: A reliable, old-fashioned pink mum that’s stands up well.
* ‘Fireglow’: Brilliant bronze-red flowers that hold color well in sun.
* Local Favorites: Always ask at your independent nursery for varieties they’ve had success with in your immediate area.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these steps to give your mums the best possible start:
1. Pick a Sunny Spot: Mums need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun with some afternoon shade in peak summer can be beneficial in the hottest zones.
2. Check Soil Drainage: This is critical. Mums hate wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with several inches of compost or expanded shale. Raised beds are an excellent option.
3. Dig the Hole: Make it twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper.
4. Plant and Backfill: Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the native soil mixed with compost.
5. Water Deeply: Soak the area thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
6. Space Them Out: Place plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for air circulation, which prevents disease.
Caring for Your Mums Through the Seasons
Proper care after planting ensures lush fall blooms.
Spring & Early Summer Care:
Water new plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Once established, mums are quite drought-tolerant but will perform best with weekly deep watering during dry spells. Feed them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in late spring.
The Secret to Bushy Plants: Pinching!
To avoid tall, leggy plants with few flowers, you must pinch them back. This encourages branching and many more blooms.
* Start in late spring, when stems are about 6 inches tall.
* Use your fingers or shears to remove the top inch of each stem.
* Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks until mid-July in North Texas, and early July in Central/South Texas. Stopping by July allows flower buds time to form for fall.
Fall Bloom Season:
Enjoy the show! Keep watering if rains are scarce. You can switch to a low-nitrogen, bloom-booster fertilizer in early September to support flowering. Remove spent flowers (deadhead) to keep the plant looking tidy.
Winter Care After Bloom:
After the first hard frost, you can cut the stems back to about 2 inches above the ground. Apply a light layer of mulch (like pine straw or shredded leaves) around the base for winter protection, especially in North Texas. In spring, new green shoots will emerge from the roots.
Common Problems and Solutions for Texas Mums
* Leggy, Few Blooms: This is almost always due to not pinching back the plants in spring and summer. Start pinching earlier next year.
* Center Dies Out: Mums can become woody in the center. The best fix is to divide them every 2-3 years in the early spring. Dig up the clump, discard the woody center, and replant the vigorous outer shoots.
* Powdery Mildew: A white fungus on leaves, often caused by poor air circulation or watering at night. Ensure proper spacing and water at the base of the plant in the morning. Fungicidal sprays can help.
* Spider Mites: These tiny pests love hot, dry weather. You’ll see fine webbing and stippled leaves. Blast plants with a strong jet of water regularly or use an insecticidal soap.
FAQ: Your Texas Mum Questions Answered
Q: Can I plant potted mums in the fall?
A: You can, but treat them as annuals. Their energy is focused on blooming, not rooting, making survival through the next summer unlikely. For permanant plants, wait for spring.
Q: How often should I water my mums?
A: Deeply once a week if there’s no rain. Always check the soil first—it should dry slightly between waterings. Potted mums need water much more frequently, sometimes daily in heat.
Q: Do mums come back every year in Texas?
A: Yes, when planted in the spring and given proper care, chrysanthemums are reliable perennials in Texas. They may have a shorter lifespan in very heavy clay soil without amendment.
Q: What’s the best fertilizer for mums?
A: A balanced slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) applied in spring is perfect. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in summer, as they promote leaf growth over flowers.
Q: My mums are blooming to early. What happened?
A: Some varieties are naturally early bloomers. Also, if you pruned or pinched to late in the summer, you may have removed the forming flower buds. Stick to the mid-July cutoff.
By following this Texas-specific guide, you’ll have a brilliant fall garden that returns with more color each year. Remember, patience in the spring leads to a breathtaking reward in the autumn. Your efforts will be well worth it when those vibrant blooms signal the arrival of cooler weather.