Chrysanthemum in Zone 8A — Texas

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. Their vibrant fall blooms provide a much-needed splash of color as other plants fade with the cooling temperatures. Plus, they make excellent cut flowers and are relatively easy to care for, offering a rewarding gardening experience even with our unpredictable Texas weather.

While the Texas heat and occasional drought can be tough on many plants, mums are surprisingly resilient when timed right. Our long growing season, stretching nearly 9 months, gives you ample opportunity to enjoy these beauties. Just remember to pay attention to watering and provide some afternoon shade during the hottest stretches.

Starting Chrysanthemum seeds indoors in Texas isn't the most common approach, but it can be done if you're looking for specific varieties or want a head start. Begin in early to late January, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. This timing helps you avoid the worst of the summer heat.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, keep the soil consistently moist (bottom watering is great for this!), and provide a warm environment. A sunny windowsill or grow light works well. Remember our spring can come early, so be ready to adjust your hardening-off schedule if needed.

Whether you buy potted mums in the fall, or start them from seed indoors in the winter, transplanting outdoors in early March through early April is ideal. This gives them time to establish before the Texas heat really kicks in.

Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late freeze can still happen, so be prepared to cover them if necessary.

Watering is key to keeping your Chrysanthemums happy in Texas. They need consistent moisture, especially during bud formation, but they're not drought-tolerant. During the hotter months, you might need to water deeply every other day, while in spring and fall, watering a couple of times a week may suffice.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Watch for signs of underwatering, like wilting leaves, or overwatering, like yellowing leaves. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful during the brutal Texas heat.

Pruning Chrysanthemums is essential for encouraging bushy growth and abundant blooms. The key is to "pinch" the growing tips every 2-3 weeks, starting when the plants are about 6 inches tall and continuing until around July 4th.

Pinching involves removing the top set of leaves on each stem, which forces the plant to branch out. After July 4th, stop pinching to allow the flower buds to develop. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, you can cut back the plants to a few inches above the ground to prepare them for winter dormancy.

Your Chrysanthemums will typically start blooming from mid May through early July, depending on the variety and when you transplanted them. These are fall-blooming flowers that last for weeks in the garden. The flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open and have vibrant color.

To harvest, simply cut the stems at an angle, leaving a few inches of stem on the plant. This encourages further blooming. To extend the bloom time, deadhead spent flowers regularly. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, you can cut the remaining flowers to enjoy indoors before the plant goes dormant.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Chrysanthemums in Texas:

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew and curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Rapidly reproducing sap-sucking insects, especially during warm weather. Ants may farm them.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray to knock them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.

Spider Mites

• What it looks like: Fine stippling (tiny white dots) on leaves, webbing on leaf undersides. Leaves turn bronze or yellow.
• What causes it: Tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions. Populations explode during drought.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray (daily for a week). Increase humidity around plants. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Release predatory mites.

Leaf Miners

• What it looks like: Notice winding tunnels or blotches on leaves.
• What causes it: Larvae that burrow between leaf surfaces.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Use row covers to prevent egg-laying. Apply neem oil.

Rust

• What it looks like: Rusty orange, yellow, or brown pustules on leaves and stems, mostly on undersides. Leaves yellow and drop prematurely.
• What causes it: Rust fungi spread by wind-borne spores. Favored by warm, humid conditions with moisture on leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can create ideal conditions for pests and diseases like spider mites and rust. Consistent monitoring, proper watering techniques, and good air circulation are crucial for keeping your Chrysanthemums healthy.

Chrysanthemums benefit from companion planting in a Texas garden. Tomatoes and peppers are good companions because they deter pests that might attack the mums. Lettuce is also a good choice, as it provides ground cover that helps retain moisture in the soil, which is especially important during our hot summers.

Avoid planting Chrysanthemums near plants that are prone to fungal diseases, as these can easily spread in our humid conditions.