Although we’re well into the fall season, don’t forget about watering your mums! Those beautiful bursts of autumn color that brightened your porch throughout September and October still need attention as we head into November. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, keeping your mums properly watered is one of the easiest ways to help them last as long as possible.

How Often Do Fall Mums Need to Be Watered?

One of the biggest misconceptions about fall mums is that they don’t need as much water once temperatures begin to drop. While Connecticut’s cooler autumn weather can slow down how quickly soil dries out, potted mums still need consistent moisture to stay healthy.

Mums have dense root systems that can dry out surprisingly quickly, especially on breezy fall days. Even if it’s been raining, don’t assume your mums have received enough water! Their thick foliage can sometimes prevent rainwater from reaching the soil.

The easiest way to know when to water your mums? Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, check again the next day.

During warmer, sunnier fall weather, you may need to water your potted mums daily. As temperatures cool, they may need less frequent watering, but it’s important to continue checking.

The Best Way to Water Potted Mums

How you water your mums matters just as much as how often you water them. A few simple habits can help keep your plants healthy and their blooms looking beautiful.

• Water at the base: Aim your watering can beneath the foliage rather than directly over the flowers. Wet blooms can deteriorate more quickly, especially during cool fall weather.

• Water thoroughly: Give your mums a good soaking until water begins draining from the bottom of the pot.

• Water in the morning: Morning watering allows excess moisture on the foliage to dry during the day and helps prepare your plants for cooler nighttime temperatures.

• Avoid overwatering: Mums love moisture, but they don’t like soggy roots. Always use pots with drainage holes and avoid leaving them sitting in standing water.

Should You Still Water Mums in November?

Absolutely! As long as your mums are actively growing and the soil isn’t frozen, they still need water.

Even though November brings shorter days and cooler temperatures to Connecticut, potted mums can continue drying out, particularly when exposed to wind. Don’t put away your watering can just because summer is over!

Keep an eye on nighttime temperatures, too. While garden mums can tolerate chilly weather, a hard freeze can damage their flowers. Moving potted mums into a garage or sheltered location during freezing nights may help extend their blooming season.

Can You Keep Mums Blooming Until Thanksgiving?

With proper watering and a little cooperation from Mother Nature, it’s possible to enjoy your mums well into November!

Of course, how long they continue blooming depends on their variety, when they first started flowering, and the weather. Watering won’t make individual flowers last forever, but preventing your mums from drying out can help preserve their remaining blooms.

Mums aren’t just for Halloween! Their rich autumn colors look beautiful alongside pumpkins, gourds, and other Thanksgiving decorations.

So before you pack away your watering can for winter, remember to give those mums a little extra attention. A few minutes of care can go a long way toward keeping your Connecticut porch colorful throughout the fall season!