Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium · Flower

The classic autumn flower, blooming as days shorten. Garden types come back each year if they have good drainage; potted florist mums are often treated as seasonal decoration.

💧WaterWeekly, more often in pots (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun

🐾PetsToxic to pets

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun, at least 6 hours
Water: About 1 in per week; more in pots
Soil: Well-drained, fertile, pH 6.0–6.5
Temperature: Best 60–75 °F; hardy garden types survive to about −10 °F
Spacing: 18–24 in apart
Container: At least 2 gallons, 10 in wide
Bloom: Late summer to autumn
Lifespan: Perennial (garden types); often grown as annual

When?

Plant in spring after the last frost so roots establish before winter. Autumn planting works for display but plants overwinter less reliably (estimated).

Step by step

Pick a sunny spot with soil that never stays soggy.
Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot.
Water well after planting and keep moist for the first weeks.
Pinch stem tips every few weeks until early summer for a bushy plant.
Feed with a balanced fertiliser until buds form.
Avoid night lighting nearby; artificial light can delay flowering.
After frost, leave stems standing over winter and cut back in spring.

Common problems

White powder on leavesPowdery mildew; space plants and water at the base.

Tall, floppy stemsNot pinched enough or too little sun; pinch earlier next year.

Curled leaves with tiny insectsAphids; rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Plant dies over winterUsually wet soil in cold; improve drainage.

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs according to ASPCA; it can upset the stomach and irritate skin. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Dahlia Marigold Carnation

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.