Chrysanthemum Buds Browning in Central Florida: Fungus from Overhead Watering

White Mums Rot in Heat and Humidity

Central Florida gardener: white chrysanthemums in sun, sprinkler irrigation, buds brown and fail to open.

Diagnosis and Fix

• Too much humidity + overhead watering = fungal bud rot.
• Water at base only, once a week unless drought.
• Ensure good air circulation.

Why Sprinklers Are the Problem

Wet petals and buds in hot, humid weather are a perfect incubator for Botrytis and other fungi. Drip irrigation or hand‑watering at soil level prevents this.