Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum Flower Description

Chrysanthemums are popular flowering plants that come in a wide variety of cultivars including hardy and half-hardy annuals, and hardy perennials. Chrysanthemum annuals are hardy and usually produces generous amounts of blooms. The flowers are similar to large daisies in appearance and show right throughout the summer and into early autumn.

Chrysanthemums are a favourite with florists and are also popular with gardens for display in formal borders, containers and hanging baskets.

In the Far East Chrysanthemums are used in cooking. Chrysanthemum tea is used in China for medicinal purposes as a relief remedy for influenza. In Korea Chrysanthemum petals are used to add flavour to rice wine.

An interesting use for Chrysanthemums in the West has been noted by NASA. The plants have proven to reduce indoor air pollution.

Cultivation of Chrysanthemum Plants

Chrysanthemum seeds can be sown in almost any soil-type. Sow the seeds directly into the permanent flowering site from early spring.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin out to the correct distance depending upon the requirements of the variety.

In milder areas it is possible to sow chrysanthemum seeds under protection, such as glass, in the autumn which will produce earlier blooming.

Chrysanthemum Pests and Diseases

Most varieties of Chrysanthemum are susceptible mildew on leaves and stems. Caterpillars and aphids can also prove to be problematic.