To understand my watering needs, you must first understand my foundation. My root system, while substantial, is relatively shallow and fibrous. I do not send a deep taproot down into the earth to seek out hidden water reserves like some other plants. Instead, I spread my roots wide to absorb moisture and nutrients from the upper layers of the soil. This means I am highly dependent on the water you provide or the rain that falls from the sky. My roots crave consistent moisture, especially during my most active growth phases, but they absolutely despise sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil. Saturated soil pushes out the air, and my roots need to breathe just as much as they need to drink. Without oxygen, they will rot, and I will quickly succumb to disease and die.
My thirst is not constant throughout the year; it changes with my life cycle. When you first plant my seeds or seedlings in the spring, I require gentle but consistent moisture to germinate and establish my young roots. Keep the top inch of soil evenly moist during this critical period. As I grow into a tall, leafy plant in late spring and early summer, my water demand increases significantly. The large leaves transpire a great deal of moisture, and I am working hard to build my flower stalks. This is when I need your most attentive care. A deep watering once or twice a week is far superior to a daily sprinkle, as it encourages my roots to grow deeper, making me more resilient.
The question of "how much" is not about a specific cup measurement but about achieving the right soil condition. Your goal should be to provide a long, slow, deep drink that penetrates the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches. This ensures the moisture reaches the entirety of my root zone. You can check this by watering, waiting an hour, and then digging a small, careful hole to see how far the water has seeped down. Alternatively, a general rule is to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant during each watering session. The key is to water at my base, avoiding wetting my foliage. Wet leaves, especially overnight, are an open invitation for fungal diseases like rust, which is a common ailment for me.
I will communicate my needs to you if you know how to look. If I am thirsty, my large leaves will begin to droop and may look a bit limp, especially during the heat of the day. This is my most obvious signal. However, a slight droop on a very hot afternoon is normal; if I perk up again in the evening, I was just cooling myself down. If I am still drooping in the morning, I need water urgently. Conversely, if my lower leaves are turning yellow and feeling soft or mushy, you are loving me a little too much. This is a classic sign of overwatering and root distress. The soil should feel like a well-wrung-out sponge—moist but not dripping. Always check the soil a few inches down before reaching for the watering can.
