Fall mums bring a burst of color to Maryland gardens just when everything else starts fading away. These cheerful flowers can brighten up porches, patios, and garden beds throughout autumn.
However, many gardeners make simple mistakes when shopping for mums that can lead to disappointment later. Learning what to avoid will help you pick healthy plants that bloom beautifully all season long.
1. Buying Mums That Are Already In Full Bloom
Many shoppers grab the prettiest, most colorful mums they see, but those fully opened flowers actually have a shorter display life ahead. Plants covered in tight buds will give you weeks more enjoyment once you get them home.
Think of it like buying fruit—you want some ripeness but not overripe. Mums with mostly buds and just a few open flowers will continue blooming for much longer in your garden or containers. You’ll get better value and extended beauty throughout the entire fall season.
2. Ignoring The Root System Before Purchase
A quick peek at the roots tells you everything about a mum’s health. Gently tip the plant and check if roots are circling tightly around the pot’s edge or if they look brown and mushy.
Healthy roots appear white or light tan and firm to the touch. Root-bound plants struggle to establish themselves even with proper care. If roots have completely filled the container in dense circles, that mum has been sitting too long and may never thrive in your garden.
3. Choosing The Wrong Mum Variety For Maryland’s Climate
Not all mums can survive Maryland winters, which surprises many first-time buyers. Garden centers sell both hardy perennial mums and decorative florist types that only last one season.
Florist mums look gorgeous but won’t return next spring no matter how well you care for them. Read plant tags carefully and look for words like “garden hardy” or “perennial” if you want your mums coming back year after year. Hardy varieties handle Maryland’s temperature swings much better.
4. Forgetting To Check For Pests And Disease
Bringing home an infested plant creates headaches for your entire garden. Aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases love to hide on mum leaves, especially on the undersides where people rarely look.
Before buying, flip over several leaves and examine the stems closely. Look for tiny bugs, sticky residue, yellowing spots, or powdery coatings. A few minutes of inspection saves you from accidentally introducing problems to your other plants. Choose only specimens with clean, vibrant foliage throughout.
5. Selecting Mums Based Only On Flower Color
Color catches your eye first, but plant size and growth habit matter just as much for successful displays. Some mums grow tall and leggy while others stay compact and bushy.
Consider where you’ll place your mums before picking a color. Tall varieties work great in garden beds but look awkward in small containers. Compact cushion mums fit perfectly in pots and window boxes. Match the plant’s natural size to your space instead of just grabbing your favorite color.
6. Purchasing Mums Too Early In The Season
Garden centers start selling mums in late August, but Maryland’s heat can stress these cool-weather lovers if planted too soon. Early purchases often result in scorched leaves and disappointed gardeners.
Waiting until September or even early October gives you healthier plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. Mums actually prefer autumn weather and perform better when nighttime temperatures drop. Patient shoppers end up with more vigorous plants that look better longer. Timing really does make a difference.
7. Overlooking Proper Plant Spacing Needs
Cramming multiple mums into one small pot might look impressive at first, but those plants will compete for water and nutrients. Overcrowding also reduces air circulation, which invites fungal problems.
Each mum needs enough room for its roots to spread and its foliage to breathe. Check the plant tag for mature width and give each one adequate space. In containers, one good-sized mum often looks better than three struggling ones. Proper spacing keeps plants healthier and more attractive throughout the season.
8. Skipping Questions About Care Requirements
Garden center staff know their plants and can offer valuable advice specific to your situation. Many shoppers grab mums and leave without asking a single question about care needs. Find out about watering frequency, sunlight requirements, and whether your chosen variety can overwinter in Maryland.
Ask if the mums have been fertilized recently and when they’ll need feeding again. Staff can also recommend varieties that match your experience level. A quick conversation prevents common problems and sets you up for success.