Warm temperatures can impact fall crops

Some parts of the country are experiencing warmer than normal summer temperatures. Growers of fall garden mums may encounter wilting plants during extended periods of 90°F+ temperatures. Univ. of Mass. floriculture extension specialists Paul Lopes and Tina Smith advise growers to take precautions to avoid overwatering mums especially during periods of hot weather.

The plant roots should be examined periodically to check if the growing medium is saturated. If the medium is wet, don’t irrigate even if it is hot. However, the medium should not be allowed to dry to plant wilt prior to wilting. If plants are allowed to wilt on a regular basis and an excess amount of fertilizer has been applied, the roots can be damaged and are susceptible to diseases like Pythium. The roots of slow growing varieties should be checked more often.