This popular and easy-to-grow classic plant will produce beautiful sunny flowers in dazzling colours that are sure to attract attention.

For thousands of years, chrysanthemums have been in cultivation in China and Japan. The plants that we buy for ourselves and as gifts for our friends are known as florist’s chrysanthemums.

The chrysanthemums that are so familiar today as short-term flowering plants are derived from two or more plants which once grew wild in the Far East. Modern commercial growers have perfected techniques to induce these plants to produce flowers throughout the year. This is done by shortening the length of their day by ‘blacking them out’; they need nights of 9–10 hours to set flower buds. In addition to these techniques, the plants are usually treated with a growth retardant and have short, stubby stems and lots of flower buds. They form compact, bushy shapes, ideal for use as house plants.

Size and growth
When they have not been treated with a growth retardant, the plants grow in an upright manner. The ones you buy in pots – which are usually about 30cm (1ft) high – will change little in shape and size. The flowers are basically daisy-shaped, but there are a number of shapes and forms – single, double, semi-double, pom-pom and anemone-centred. Flowers are available in a wide range of colours. They range from soft, pale blooms to vibrant deep oranges and reds. All chrysanthemums have a distinctive, pungent scent, so make sure you don’t display them with a delicately fragranced plant. If you have the space, an indoor trough filled with a variety of colours will create a scene-stealing effect. Give it even more impact by painting the trough a colour that will harmonise with the chrysanthemums you have chosen to plant in it. A terracotta pot filled with yellow blooms works particularly well.

General Care
Very easy to look after, chrysanthemums will bloom continuously for several weeks. Make sure you remove the flowers as they fade to encourage further blooming. No potting or repotting is necessary for these plants if they are potted correctly to begin with.

Watering & Feeding
Plants are normally bought in small pots and these dry out quite quickly, so water your plants enough to make sure they are always damp. In bright locations and warm rooms, you should water them once or twice a week. It is not necessary to feed chrysanthemums.

Conditions
They like to be in a light position, but need protection against the strongest midday sun. The flowers will last longer if you keep your plants slightly cool. A year-round temperature of 10°–15°C (50°–60°F) will suit them best. If the temperature is higher, give your plants additional water.