Chrysanthemum grows wild in many regions of the world but is originally from China, which is where most species are from. It was cultivated as a flowering herb in China as far back as 1,500CE and was mentioned by Confucius in 500CE. Arriving in Japan sometime during the fifth century BCE, breeding programs eventually created magnificent variations of chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums became a popular, symbolic flower, and were made the emblem of Japan in the 12th century.
Painted Daisy chrysanthemum, also known as ‘’tricolour daisy,’’ is an annual that grows wild in the dry fields of northern Africa. It was first discovered and cultivated sometime during the 1500s and it slowly grew in popularity in ornamental gardens. The compact, bushy plants grow to 12-24 inches tall and bear stunning flat, multi-coloured, daisy-like flowers about 2-3 inches wide. Each blossom usually displays two, three or more rings in shades of whites, pinks, reds, oranges, browns, yellows and purples with a bronze-black centre disk. Painted Daisies are a perfect option for planting in beds and borders, cottage gardens and containers. Makes some of the most stunning fresh cut arrangements.
- Latin Name: Chrysanthemum carinatum
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 80
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 20-40 cm
- Growth Habit: 45 cm tall
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
As an iconic symbol of autumn, mums bring life and bright colours to a season where every other plant seems to be in decline. But they don’t have to be bought in pots every fall, only to be thrown away a couple months later. When started properly early in the year from seed, chrysanthemums can truly embody the enduring perennial representation of autumn.
Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds into a flat and gently press into the surface of the soil and cover very lightly. Mist the flat and keep moist throughout the germination process. Temperatures should be kept a minimum of 21 degrees. Provide bright light from a sunny window or with grow lights. Germination will be aided by using a heating mat and/or covering with plastic wrap.
Seedlings sprout in 10-21 days and should be immediately thinned to make space and prevent crowding. Gradually harden off young mums in a sheltered location to prepare for transplanting after the danger of frost has passed. Mums can be planted outside 30 cm apart in the garden.
Prepare your planting site in the sunniest location possible. Well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of compost is the most suitable place for supporting bountiful blooms throughout the fall. Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
Mums will absorb a few light frosts and bloom well into the fall in cold regions. To overwinter, leave foliage on plants until the spring. Mulch heavily around the crown of the plant, a layer about 12-18 cm thick.
Early in the season, during their vegetative stage, mums will require strong feeding. Fertilizer can be withheld once summer arrives. Spring-planted mums have the advantage of developing a strong root system. This will make the plant extra hardy, helping it survive through freezing cold winters. They will also tend to bloom in mid to late summer, earlier than nursery-bought plants.
Pinch back plants when they reach 12-15 cm in height to force a bushy, strong base. Continue this process every few weeks until early in the summer. In a month’s time, it will be covered with buds ready to flower. By starting your mums early, their flowers can be enjoyed every cool fall season for many years to come.
QUICK FACTS
- Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for millenniums, with the oldest recorded writings dating back to over 3,000 years ago.
- Chrysanthemums are highly symbolic in Japan, where the flowers have been used as the crest of the emperor for over 1,200 years.
- Chrysanthemum seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
