Chrysanthemums

Botanical Name

:

Chrysanthemum Indicum

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous flowering perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring; Blooms in summer and fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

Aim for soil temperature between 70–75°F

Soil Type

:

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter or compost

Hardiness Zones

:

USDA zones 5–9

Germination

:

Typically occurs within 7–14 days of sowing

P.H. Level

:

Neutral or slightly acidic with pH 6.5 to 7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; soil should remain moist, but not soggy

Fertilization

:

Apply a 20-10-20 fertilizer when planting and throughout the vegetative growth phase. Superphosphate supports root development. Once the plant is established, transition to a 5-10-5 liquid fertilizer.

Habit

:

Bushy, branched

Propagation

:

Root division and cuttings

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 ft

Spread

:

2–3 ft

Flowers

:

Soft and tightly mounded daisy-like petals in shades of white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, and red

Attracts

:

Bees and butterflies

Uses

:

Fall-blooming ornamentals, border plantings, and mixed perennial beds

Companions

:

Marigolds, sedum, snapdragons, basil, and ornamental peppers

Pruning

:

Start pinching back the stems in spring when the plants reach about 6 inches in height

Toxicity

:

Toxic to pets

Pests

:

Aphids, spider mites, and leafminers

Diseases

:

Aster yellows, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf spot

Additional Info

:

Provide mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming

Botanical Name

:

Chrysanthemum Indicum

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous flowering perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring; Blooms in summer and fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

Aim for soil temperature between 70–75°F

Soil Type

:

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter or compost

Hardiness Zones

:

USDA zones 5–9

Germination

:

Typically occurs within 7–14 days of sowing

P.H. Level

:

Neutral or slightly acidic with pH 6.5 to 7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; soil should remain moist, but not soggy

Fertilization

:

Apply a 20-10-20 fertilizer when planting and throughout the vegetative growth phase. Superphosphate supports root development. Once the plant is established, transition to a 5-10-5 liquid fertilizer.

Habit

:

Bushy, branched

Propagation

:

Root division and cuttings

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 ft

Spread

:

2–3 ft

Flowers

:

Soft and tightly mounded daisy-like petals in shades of white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, and red

Attracts

:

Bees and butterflies

Uses

:

Fall-blooming ornamentals, border plantings, and mixed perennial beds

Companions

:

Marigolds, sedum, snapdragons, basil, and ornamental peppers

Pruning

:

Start pinching back the stems in spring when the plants reach about 6 inches in height

Toxicity

:

Toxic to pets

Pests

:

Aphids, spider mites, and leafminers

Diseases

:

Aster yellows, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf spot

Additional Info

:

Provide mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/