Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe and are widely cultivated as garden plants. Chrysanthemums are popular for their showy, long-lasting blooms in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple. They are also popular for their attractive foliage and their ability to attract pollinators. Chrysanthemums are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a popular choice for both gardeners and florists.
Planning Your Garden With Chrysanthemums
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Chrysanthemums are typically perennial plants, although some varieties are grown as annuals. |
| USDA Zone | Chrysanthemums are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Chrysanthemums are cold tolerant and can survive temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest chrysanthemums is usually around 8-10 weeks. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown chrysanthemum plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing chrysanthemums is 12-16 inches apart, with 12 inches being the minimum. This allows for adequate air circulation and prevents overcrowding. |
| Sun tolerance | Chrysanthemums prefer filtered or indirect sunlight and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than four hours a day. |
| Shade tolerance | Chrysanthemums are considered to be partially shade tolerant, meaning they can tolerate some shade but prefer full sun. They will generally flower best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Water requirements | Chrysanthemums require moist soil and should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Water the plants deeply about once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Check the soil around the plants for moisture before watering. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing chrysanthemums depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the stage of growth of the plants. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. For young plants, a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content (such as a 20-10-10 ratio) should be used at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing chrysanthemums is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Chrysanthemums are Popular
People like to grow chrysanthemums because they are easy to grow, come in a variety of colors, and are a symbol of joy and optimism. Chrysanthemums are also known for their long bloom time and can be used to create beautiful arrangements.
Companion Plants For Chrysanthemums
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for chrysanthemums include:
Common Pests For Chrysanthemums
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow chrysanthemums, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
