Fall mums bring gorgeous bursts of color to Florida gardens when most other plants are winding down for the season. However, picking the right ones for our unique climate can be trickier than you might think.
Many gardeners end up disappointed when their beautiful mums wilt or fail to thrive just days after planting. Avoiding these common shopping mistakes will help your mums flourish and brighten your yard all season long.
1. Choosing Already-Blooming Plants
Many shoppers grab the prettiest, most colorful mums they can find, thinking bigger blooms mean better value. Unfortunately, plants already bursting with flowers have used most of their energy and won’t last as long in your garden.
Mums with tight buds showing just a hint of color will actually give you more weeks of enjoyment. They’ll adapt better to your soil and continue blooming for much longer. Save yourself disappointment by choosing younger plants instead of the showiest ones on display.
2. Ignoring Root-Bound Containers
Ever noticed roots poking through drainage holes or circling around the pot’s edge? Plants stuck too long in small containers develop tangled, unhealthy root systems that struggle to grow properly after transplanting.
Gently tip the pot and peek at the roots before buying. Healthy roots should be white or light-colored, not brown and mushy. If they’re wrapped in tight circles, that mum will have trouble establishing itself in your garden, no matter how well you care for it afterward.
3. Buying Non-Hardy Varieties
Not all mums are created equal, especially in Florida’s warm climate. Some varieties sold in stores are bred purely for temporary decoration and won’t survive our mild winters or hot conditions.
Garden mums differ from florist mums in their ability to return year after year. Ask nursery staff which varieties are perennial in your specific Florida zone. Look for labels mentioning cold hardiness or perennial characteristics. Spending a few extra dollars on the right variety means enjoying blooms for multiple seasons instead of just a few weeks.
4. Shopping Too Early In The Season
Excitement for fall decorating often leads gardeners to buy mums the moment they appear in stores, sometimes as early as late August. However, Florida’s lingering summer heat can stress newly planted mums terribly.
Waiting until temperatures consistently drop below 85 degrees gives your plants a much better chance of thriving. Mid to late October is usually ideal for most Florida regions. Your mums will establish faster, require less water, and look healthier throughout the actual fall season when you time your purchase right.
5. Overlooking Pest And Disease Signs
Garden centers sometimes sell plants with hidden problems that only become obvious after you get them home. Yellowing leaves, sticky residue, tiny bugs, or spotted foliage all signal trouble ahead.
Inspect leaves carefully, especially underneath where pests like to hide. Check stems for mushiness or discoloration that indicates disease. Bringing home an infected plant can spread problems to your entire garden. A healthy mum should have vibrant green leaves without spots, holes, or wilting. Don’t feel bad about being picky—you deserve quality plants for your money.
6. Forgetting To Check Watering Needs
Mums sitting at garden centers often get neglected, leaving them stressed and thirsty by the time you arrive. Dry, cracked soil or wilted leaves indicate the plant has suffered from inconsistent care.
Feel the soil before purchasing—it should be moist but not soggy. Plants that have repeatedly dried out develop weakened root systems and struggle to recover even with proper care at home. Starting with a well-hydrated, properly maintained plant gives you a huge advantage. Choose mums from nurseries that clearly prioritize plant health over quick sales.
7. Skipping The Pinch Test
A simple squeeze tells you everything about a mum’s health and vigor. Stems should feel firm and sturdy, not soft or mushy when you gently pinch them between your fingers.
Weak, floppy stems indicate poor nutrition, disease, or improper growing conditions at the nursery. Plants with strong, thick stems have better structure and will stand up to Florida’s occasional heavy rains and winds. Take just five seconds to test stem strength before buying. Your future self will thank you when your mums stay upright and beautiful instead of flopping over after the first storm.