Also known as Mum · 831 saves
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, the genus most gardeners know as mum. We track 23 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 23 most-saved Chrysanthemum varieties
2 species of Chrysanthemum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Chrysanthemum in Sow
Save the Chrysanthemum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Chrysanthemum
Whats common across all Chrysanthemum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 23 most-grown of them.
The Chrysanthemum year
- Pinch TipsMay–July87% of varieties
Pinch growing tips every 2-4 weeks until early July for bushier growth
- DivideApril and May83% of varieties
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor
- FertilizeMay–August78% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks until buds show color
- Winter PrepDecember65% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch after the ground freezes lightly for insulation
- Spring CleanupMarch and April57% of varieties
Cut old woody stems back to 1-2 inches above the ground
- DeadheadAugust–November35% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy during the long bloom period
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Chrysanthemum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Introduce predatory mites or spray with water |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Japanese beetle and Aphids | Skeletonized leaves, deformed flower buds, and sticky honeydew residue. | Hand-pick beetles into soapy water, or apply insecticidal soaps and neem oil. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Chrysanthemum
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Use a sharp knife or spade
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect light
- Roots form in 4–6 weeks
Chrysanthemum questions
How many types of Chrysanthemum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 23 distinct Chrysanthemum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 831 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Chrysanthemum grow in?
Across its varieties, Chrysanthemum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Chrysanthemum bloom?
Most Chrysanthemum varieties bloom in late spring to summer, mid-summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Chrysanthemum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.