How To Grow Chrysanthemums in Zones 8,9, 10 - Hot/Arid

How To Grow Chrysanthemums in zones 9,10 - Hot/Arid: This is for US regions that are hot and dry. Think Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada type climates.

Mums can grow in your region with a little extra care and attention to timing. What you will need to watch for is that your mums are staying hydrated and that you plant them in the right places at the right time. I would suggest planting your mums into pots that can be moved out of the heat. Plant 4 to a pot for a pincushion look or 1 or 2 to a pot for a less symmetrical planting.

Plant cuttings in early fall or late summer - once temps have started to drop below 90F or late winter - January, February. At the end of spring/early summer when temps start getting above 100F every day, move your pots to a shady place or where they are shaded from the afternoon sun and be sure that they’re getting enough water, probably daily or every other day during that high heat.

After they have bloomed and have passed through a full annual cycle and are looking ratty, cut them to the ground.  The deeper the roots, the more drought tolerant your mums will be. In your zone it will be especially important that you water long and deep from the very beginning to train your roots to grow down rather than spreading out along the top 6 inches of top soil where they are prone to dry out.

Any of our varieties will do beautifully in your zone with a little extra care and love. Here are some of my favorite longer season varieties that I would recommend: Cheerleader, Talisman, Wayzata for landscape, Stadium Queen and Sunny Morning. There are many others which would be so beautiful grown in your long season which you can shop here.