Some Wisconsin gardeners grab fall mums the same way I do—quickly, excitedly, and then regret it a week later. I’ve made a couple of these mistakes myself, so I know how fast those pretty blooms can fool you.
A little know-how can keep your mums looking fresh instead of droopy. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick the right ones without any stress.
1. Buying Too Early in the Season
Garden centers start selling mums in late summer, but Wisconsin gardeners often grab them too soon. Plants purchased in August may bloom early and finish before fall truly arrives.
Waiting until September gives you mums that peak during autumn’s best weather. Early buyers miss out on the spectacular October color show everyone loves.
Patience pays off when timing your mum purchases in Wisconsin’s climate.
2. Ignoring Hardiness Zones
Not all mums survive Wisconsin winters, even though they’re sold here. Many varieties are grown as annuals and won’t return next spring.
Garden mums differ from hardy perennial mums, which handle cold temperatures better. Wisconsin sits in zones 3-5, requiring specific cold-hardy varieties for overwintering success.
Check plant tags carefully before assuming your mums will come back year after year in Wisconsin gardens.
3. Choosing Plants Already in Full Bloom
Those gorgeous, fully-opened mums catch everyone’s eye at the store. However, plants covered in open flowers have already used most of their blooming energy.
Selecting mums with tight buds showing color gives you weeks more display time. Wisconsin’s fall season is short enough without cutting it shorter.
Bud-stage plants adapt better to transplanting and reward you with longer-lasting beauty in your garden beds.
4. Overlooking Plant Size and Shape
Leggy, stretched-out mums with sparse foliage seem like bargains, but they’re trouble. Compact, bushy plants with dense branching produce more flowers and look better longer.
Quality mums have been properly pinched during growing, creating full, rounded shapes. Wisconsin gardeners get better value from shorter, fuller plants than tall, spindly ones.
Feel the plant’s density and check for gaps before buying your fall mums this year.
5. Forgetting About Sun Requirements
Mums need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and bloom properly. Shady spots in Wisconsin gardens cause weak stems and fewer flowers.
Many gardeners place mums on covered porches or under trees for decoration. Without adequate light, buds won’t open fully and colors fade quickly.
Plan placement carefully, choosing sunny locations that showcase your mums while meeting their growing needs throughout autumn.
6. Selecting the Wrong Colors for Your Space
Color choice seems personal, but some shades disappear against certain backgrounds. Dark burgundy mums vanish near brown siding or mulch in Wisconsin yards.
Bright yellows and oranges pop against darker surfaces, while white and purple stand out near light-colored homes. Consider your home’s exterior and existing landscape colors.
Thoughtful color coordination makes your mums look intentional rather than randomly placed around your Wisconsin property.
7. Not Checking for Pests and Disease
Bringing home infested plants spreads problems throughout your Wisconsin garden. Aphids, spider mites, and leaf spot hide easily among dense foliage.
Flip leaves over and inspect stems carefully before purchasing. Yellowing leaves, sticky residue, or tiny insects signal trouble ahead.
Healthy plants have vibrant green foliage without spots, webbing, or visible bugs crawling around. Don’t rush this important inspection step at the nursery.
8. Planting in Poor-Draining Soil
Mums hate wet feet and quickly develop root rot in soggy Wisconsin soil. Clay-heavy areas or low spots collect water, drowning plant roots.
Well-draining soil is essential for healthy mums, even when used as temporary fall decorations. Amend heavy soil with compost before planting.
Container-grown mums need drainage holes too, preventing water from pooling at the bottom and causing roots to fail within days of planting.
9. Skipping Regular Watering
Wisconsin’s fall weather can be surprisingly dry, and mums are thirsty plants. Root systems stay shallow, drying out faster than established perennials.
Many gardeners assume cooler temperatures mean less watering. Mums still need consistent moisture, especially during warm September afternoons.
Check soil daily by touching it; water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry. Neglected mums wilt quickly and drop buds before opening completely.
10. Paying Too Much at Big Box Stores
Big box retailers charge premium prices for convenience, but Wisconsin has excellent local nurseries and farm stands. Quality often matches or exceeds chain stores at lower costs.
Local growers understand regional climate challenges better and stock appropriate varieties. Supporting Wisconsin businesses keeps money in your community.
Shop around before settling on the first mums you see, comparing plant quality, size, and pricing at multiple locations this fall.