Plant Profile: Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums originated in East Asia and have been growing in China for over 2,500 years. It has also been the national flower of Japan for the past 100 years.

These versatile flowers look great grown in garden beds, pots, as a cut flower and in so many more locations too.

Although they can be grown from seed, Chrysanthemums are more widely propagated from cuttings or dividing clumps.

Sunlight: Pick an open and sunny position and you’ll have happy plants, but they can also grow in partial shade, as long as it’s protected from the afternoon sun.

Watering: While these are quite hardy plants, they will perform better if they are kept relatively moist.

Soil: Well-drained soil is a must for these plants. Dig in good amounts of ActivGrow Soil Improver to your garden beds prior to planting. If you’re going to grow in pots, Grow More Premium Potting Mix is an excellent choice.

Feeding: At time of planting, add some Poultry Manure Fertiliser Pellets to the soil. Feed regularly with the application of a seaweed tonic or liquid fertiliser.

Mulching: Mulching assists in keeping your plants moist but not wet. Decorative mulches like Cypress Mulch are an excellent choice for around your ‘mums.

Pruning: The type of Chrysanthemum you’re growing will dictate the type of pruning needed. In general, pruning young plants encourages bushiness and dense growth. Always remember to remove spent flowers (dead-head), as this will promote continuous flowering.