Why Your Mums Look Like They're Dying After It Rains

Nothing quite signals the fall season like the beautiful orange, burgundy, and yellow chrysanthemums. Mums are not only one of the most desirable fall flowers, but they are also one of the easiest flowers to care for and grow. However, chrysanthemums can often appear to be dying after a good rain due to the water hitting the blooms.

Chrysanthemums require basic essentials to grow well. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day, although more is welcomed. Mums thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients and well-fertilized. They are also sturdy plants and can withstand hot and cold temperatures, though they cannot survive frost.

When it comes to watering, you must strike a balance because soil that is too dry or too wet can harm mums. In general, mums thrive when they have consistently moist soil. However, if the soil becomes too wet and soggy as a result of rain or overwatering, it can weaken the roots, causing the flowers to droop and decompose.

It can be a big disappointment to wait until fall for your chrysanthemums to bloom in their beautiful colors, only to enjoy them for just a few days or weeks before the flowers start to look like they are dying off. You may notice that the shades are not as vibrant as they used to be, even appearing dull and faded.

If it has recently rained, that might be the reason. Rainfall literally washes away the flower's color, especially if it continues over multiple days. Additionally, rain can lead to overwatering. For potted mums, it is important to ensure proper drainage. The pots should have at least one hole at the bottom to allow water to flow through the soil and out of the container.

It is also important to remember that when manually watering your mums, you should water them beneath their flowers. Let the water flow directly into the soil without wetting the foliage or roots. Although it may be easier to spray your mums with a hose or pour water over the top, ensuring that water only reaches the soil itself can help prolong their lifespan and promote their growth.

The loss of color isn't the worst outcome rain can cause for mums. When the flowers get inundated with water, they can become soggy for long periods, and they eventually begin to wither and die. They can also attract mold and mildew, which can be lethal for flowers.

Additionally, as the rain sprays down on the blooms, it simultaneously splashes fungus from the soil up onto both the flowers and foliage. You may think that since the sun comes out after the rain, it will do its job of drying out your flowers, which can sometimes help. However, if the temperatures are too hot, the leftover water on the petals can result in leaf scorch or sun-scald.

Consequently, if rain is forecasted for a few days, it is a good idea to provide your mums with a respite from the water. If you have potted mums, it's ideal to keep them on a covered porch where you can protect them from both rain and scorching sun while also providing them with consistent light.