Chrysanthemum are a member of the Compositae family.

When to Plant Chrysanthemums?
Planting chrysanthemum in the spring gives the perennial plant time to establish and adapt to its new garden home. You’ll easily find mums in garden centers and nurseries in both fall and spring, but planning ahead is key to successful planting. It’s tempting to buy those huge beautiful fall mums you see during the autumn season, but in terms of longevity, the smaller spring mums are actually a better investment.
The root system becomes stronger throughout the summer and fall, which increases a plant’s ability to survive the winter. Planting in the spring will also result in a bigger bloom the following season. Although some fall mums can survive winter if planted immediately, the odds are much better with spring-planted mums.

How Hardy Are Chrysanthemums?
The chrysanthemums you purchase in garden centers are frequently referred to as “hardy mums” for a reason. The majority of mum varieties are winter hardy in Zones 5 through 9. Some varieties, such as Mammoth Daisy, are hardy down to Zone 3. When shopping for mums, check the label to make sure you’re purchasing hardy garden varieties appropriate for your planting zone. Local nurseries and garden centers will most often feature the varieties that are specific to local areas. Avoid purchasing from floral shops – their mums are different, less hardy floral varieties.

What is the Best Soil for Mums?
Chrysanthemums can survive in most soils, but they thrive in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Growing mums in hard, dry soil prevents the roots from becoming well established, while wet, boggy soil drowns the roots. Finding the middle ground is key.
If you’ve planted other perennials, then you already know how to plant chrysanthemum. To create a good soil for your mums, work your soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Mix in 2 to 4 inches of organic material, such as compost or peat moss. The perfect soil texture can be tested by taking a handful and squeezing. When you open your hand, the soil shouldn’t clump or quickly fall apart. It should simply crumble.

How Much Sunlight Do Mums Require?
Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants. Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching.
Mums bloom due to their photoperiodic nature. When the plant senses a change in the length of darkness in late summer, it begins to set buds. Planting near artificial lights, such as security lights or porch lights, can alter the bloom time of your mums.

Does Spacing Really Matter?
It can be tempting to plant mums closely together. Smaller, spring mums don’t seem to fill out a garden space as well. However, keep in mind that by fall, most properly planted mums will reach up to 3 feet in height and width. Like many perennials, mums will often become larger each year. Even if your flower bed looks a bit bare when you first plant your mums, in time it will fill in. Spacing mums properly is essential for plant health. Plants that are too crowded compete for nutrients, have root system issues, attract pests and suffer from disease. Following the plant spacing directions for your chrysanthemum variety increases the health of your garden and protects your investment of time and money.

16 weeks from seed to flower.
Shungiku
Chrysanthemum coronarium
Duration: Annual
When to Sow: Spring/Late Summer/Early Fall Ease of Germination: Easy
(Garland chrysanthemum; Chopsuey green) Popular Oriental green with an unusual strong flavour. Leaves are cooked like spinach or in soup, or raw in salads. Very easy to grow. Fast grower; successive sowings every two weeks will ensure continuous supply. richters