Begin your evaluation by stepping back to observe the plant's overall shape. A healthy mum should exhibit a balanced, bushy, and compact form. Avoid plants that appear leggy, spindly, or have stretched-out stems with large gaps between leaves. This indicates insufficient light at the nursery, which leads to weak growth. The ideal plant is dense with foliage from the base upwards, demonstrating it has been grown in optimal light conditions. This robust structure is crucial as it supports the heavy weight of the flowers and withstands wind and rain better than a lanky plant.
The leaves are a primary indicator of a plant's health. Look for deep green, vibrant, and turgid leaves. Any signs of yellowing, browning at the edges, or spotting can be symptomatic of problems. Yellow leaves may suggest over-watering, poor nutrition, or root disease. Brown, crispy edges often point to under-watering, heat stress, or fertilizer burn. Also, meticulously check the undersides of leaves and the points where leaves meet the stem. This is where pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies like to hide. The presence of sticky residue or fine webbing is a clear sign of infestation and a plant to avoid.
While not always possible, gently tipping the plant out of its pot to check the roots is one of the most telling inspections. A healthy root system should be firm and white or light tan in color, filling the pot without being excessively tangled. What you want to avoid are roots that are dark brown, mushy, and have a foul odor—this is root rot, often caused by over-watering. Conversely, if you see a dense, hard mat of roots circling the bottom and sides of the soil, the plant is severely pot-bound. This can lead to stress, difficulty taking up water, and stunted growth after planting.
Your goal is to select a plant with more buds than open flowers. A mum covered in fully open blooms may be past its peak and will have a shorter display period in your garden. Instead, look for a plant that has a generous amount of tightly closed, healthy buds showing color, complemented by just a few flowers starting to open. This ensures you will enjoy a long succession of blooms. Avoid plants where the flowers look wilted, faded, or have brown petals, as this indicates age or stress. Also, be wary of buds that are shriveled or dropping off, as this can be a sign of water stress or disease.
Conduct a final, thorough scan for any other red flags. Look for weak or broken stems that could invite disease. Examine the soil surface; the presence of moss or algae might indicate the plant has been kept too wet. Avoid any plants that have a general wilted appearance, even if the soil feels damp, as this can be a sign of root rot. A healthy plant should look vigorous and perky, not stressed or struggling. Choosing a plant free from these issues gives it a strong start in your garden.
