The Chrysanthemum captivates us with its simple and vibrant blooms that last until the first frosts. This All Saints' Day classic, so easy to grow, begins flowering 12 weeks after sowing and doesn't stop until late summer or the onset of winter. Whether annual or perennial, it's very easy to sow.

Discover through our tutorial how to successfully sow chrysanthemums, either under cover or directly in the garden soil.

Tutorial: sowing chrysanthemums under cover or in the garden

When to sow chrysanthemums?

  • Perennial chrysanthemums like autumn daisies or rubellum, also nicknamed "florist's chrysanthemums", are sown under heated cover from October to April.
  • Annual chrysanthemums like tricolor daisies are sown under cold frames from February, or directly in place from April to July depending on the climate and region. These are hardy annual plants that aren't afraid of the cold.

⇒ An autumn sowing will result in earlier flowering.

Required materials

To carry out your sowing successfully, gather the following materials:

Sowing in pots under cover

  • Start by filling the seed tray with sowing compost
  • Firm it down using a small board
  • Sow your chrysanthemum seeds by scattering them
  • Lightly cover the seeds with a 1mm layer of compost
  • Water generously with a fine spray to thoroughly moisten the substrate
  • Cover (with a transparent lid, plastic bag...) to retain moisture and warmth, allow light through and encourage germination
  • Keep moist until germination
  • Place your seedlings in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight, at a temperature of 15°C-20°C
  • Ventilate regularly and monitor to prevent damping off
Tutorial: sowing chrysanthemums under cover or in the garden

Sow then firm down with a small board, water with a spray bottle or fine watering can, place in a bright location

Transplanting

  • When seedlings reach about 5cm, transplant them into individual 8cm pots filled with compost
  • Keep them under a warm frame if you can't plant them outside yet, ensuring regular watering
  • Pinch out the growing tips when young plants reach 15-20cm to encourage bushiness
  • Plant your young plants in the garden or larger pots in full sun in late May when all risk of frost has passed

Tutorial: sowing chrysanthemums under cover or in the garden

Direct sowing in the ground

First, prepare the ground that will receive your sowing:

  • Loosen the soil without turning it over, using a broadfork for example
  • Remove large stones, roots and weeds
  • Level and smooth the soil with a rake
  • To flower well, chrysanthemums appreciate rich soil: add a spadeful of compost or well-rotted manure before sowing
  • In heavy soils, improve drainage with some river sand or gravel
  • Sow your seeds by scattering them
  • Lightly sprinkle with compost without burying them deeply
  • Firm down gently with the back of a rake
  • Water generously with a fine spray then keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) throughout germination

After germination, once plants reach 5cm tall, thin them out slightly by keeping only one strong seedling every 30-40cm. Then, when plants reach 15-20cm in height, pinch out the growing tips to encourage branching.

⇒ Chrysanthemums can be sown in large drifts, either alone or mixed with other perennials or seasonal plants.

Chrysanthemums look very elegant when planted en masse in the garden