How to Raise Chrysanthemums

Planting

• 1

  Plant chrysanthemums in early spring in an average, well-drained soil in full sun.

• 2

  Dig a hole with a trowel to match the size of the plant's container.

• 3

  Remove the chrysanthemum from its container carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

• 4

  Fill in around the roots with soil, and firm it gently with your hands.

• 5

  Space additional plants about a foot apart.

• 6

  Water the chrysanthemum slowly and deeply.

Care

• 7

  Use your fingers or pruning shears to remove the tips of shoots in early spring when they have six to eight leaves. This process, called pinching back, improves the shape of the plant and encourages full, bushy growth.

• 8

  Pinch back two more times: once when side shoots develop, and again before July to shape the plant. Pinching after the first of July may reduce the number of flowers.

• 9

  Water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Chrysanthemums develop crown rot in a soil that is too wet.

• 10

  Fertilize the plant monthly during the summer.

• 11

  Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms.

• 12

  Apply a few inches of fresh organic mulch in late fall to help protect the roots over winter.

Dividing

• 13

  Prepare the new site for your divisions by loosening the soil with a shovel or garden fork and then leveling it with a garden rake, if necessary.

• 14

  Divide the clumps in early spring by driving a shovel into the center of them, or by lifting the plant and pulling it into two or three pieces.

• 15

  Plant the divisions in their new locations promptly to prevent the roots from drying out.

• 16

  Water the divisions slowly and deeply. Don't fertilize them until summer.