Chrysanthemum
Dendranthema indicumfam. Asteraceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 4464 — Dendranthema indicum
Dendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicumDendranthema indicum
IOverview
Overview
Chrysanthemum, scientifically known as Dendranthema indicum, is a perennial plant native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, East Himalaya, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This hardy plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and is suitable for growing in USDA zones 5-9. Chrysanthemum is known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and seeds—which make it a versatile addition to gardens and culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters tall, making it an attractive ornamental choice as well.
Quick answers
What is Chrysanthemum?
Chrysanthemum, scientifically known as Dendranthema indicum, is a perennial plant native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, East Himalaya, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chrysanthemum thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to a height of about 0.6 meters as a perennial. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seeds. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chrysanthemum for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun spot and basic soil preparation for your first chrysanthemum.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy chrysanthemum plant or seeds, a trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare by mixing compost into the top layer.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants to their permanent spot or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, and protect from strong winds during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun for at least 6 hours a day, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage bushy plants. Cut back spent flowers throughout the season for continuous blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Tea
Other uses:oilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)BulgariaItalyPortugalRomaniaSpain
Asia12 regions
native (7)ChinaJapanLaosNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
introduced (5)IndiaPakistanPhilippinesTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)BoliviaCosta RicaCubaDominican Republic
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Mauritius
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya
introduced:Tadzhikistan, Gulf of Guinea Is., Réunion
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 44641323-ed6d-44ae-8e37-692129f71c7f
Decision aid
Choosing between Chrysanthemum and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.