Chrysanthemum care guide
Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Also known as: Florist's chrysanthemum, Pot mum, Spray mum, Garden mum
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Compounds in the leaves and flowers have been linked to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and skin irritation in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Chrysanthemum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in midsummer check morning and evening, and in the rainy season avoid sogginess.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- From bud to bloom it drinks well: about every two or three days once the surface dries is the guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- After the post-bloom cutback the plant rests as basal shoots; as a guide, moisten lightly a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Chrysanthemum
A sunny, airy spot outdoors is the guide; it sets buds as days shorten, so a place lit at night by streetlights or indoor lamps in fall may not flower.
Overwintering Chrysanthemum
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Cold-hardy and generally overwinters outdoors: after bloom cut the stems to about 10 cm and protect the basal shoots under the eaves, moving pots there only in a prolonged freeze.
Fertilizing and repotting Chrysanthemum
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer at planting and liquid feed about every two weeks from May until the buds show color; ease off while in bloom.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Chrysanthemum
- Too little sun or night lighting stops bud formation.
- Without pinching it grows lanky with few flowers.
- Thrown away after flowering, though it would bloom again the next year.
Tips for growing Chrysanthemum
- Pinching the tips two or three times from May to July gives more branches and a fuller bloom.
- Cuttings in May or June renew it easily, and young plants flower better.
- Aphids favor the new growth, so check and remove them early.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
