Chrysanthemum, also known as Helichrysum chrysanthemum, is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Helianthus. It is commonly cultivated for 1-2 years and is native to Australia, though it is now grown in many countries around the world. This plant typically reaches a height of 50-90 cm, with multiple branching stems covered in fine hairs. The leaves are alternate, narrow and lance-shaped, with smooth edges and no petioles.
The flowers grow singly at the top of the stems, featuring multi-layered, membranous bracts that overlap like scales. The outer bracts are short, while the inner ones are elongated and resemble petals, coming in colors such as white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and even dark shades—often mistaken for actual petals. At the center, small yellow tubular flowers cluster together. The blooming season usually lasts from July to September.
The fruit is an achene, gray-brown in color and smooth. There are approximately 350 species within the same genus. Some varieties, like the New Zealand chrysanthemum, have spreading stems, obovate leaves, and silvery-white flower heads. Others, such as the South African variety, have oval leaves and umbrella-like inflorescences with oblong sepals and a blunt tip, producing milky white blooms.
Another notable species is the Tianshan Maierju, a perennial herb native to Xinjiang, China. It is densely covered in fine hair, with narrow lance-shaped leaves and corymbose (flat-topped) flower clusters in yellow or orange. This golden chrysanthemum is particularly striking, often planted in flower beds in Lingnan due to its vibrant, sunlit appearance.
Chrysanthemums thrive in warm, sunny environments but do not tolerate cold or excessive heat. They prefer moist, well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. In the southern regions of the Yangtze River, seedlings are typically sown in open fields in early April, and they emerge within 7-10 days. A second round of seeding is done between mid-April and mid-May, with a 10% decomposed manure application after the second planting. Care must be taken to avoid over-fertilization, which can "burn" the seedlings.
By early June, when the seedlings reach about 9 cm in height, they are transplanted into gardens or flower beds with 30 cm spacing. To encourage more branches and flowering, pruning can be done 2-3 times during the growing season. After transplanting, a second application of diluted manure or bean cake liquid fertilizer (at 20% concentration) should be given before flowering. However, fertilization should be moderate to avoid excessive growth at the expense of vibrant flower color.
In June, the southern Yangtze region enters the rainy season, so drainage in the garden must be ensured to prevent root rot. During dry summer weather, watering twice daily in the morning and evening helps maintain soil moisture, especially in autumn for optimal results.
Chrysanthemum oleifera has a long blooming period, with individual flowers lasting up to one month and the entire bloom lasting 3-4 months. Seeds should be harvested promptly to avoid loss. Once collected, the seeds should be dried and stored in a gauze bag in a cool, dry place.
If leaf spot disease occurs, affected branches should be pruned to improve air circulation. Spraying a 1:200 dilution of Bordeaux mixture once a week, or up to three to four times if necessary, is effective in preventing the spread of disease.
Gummy Jelly Candy,Yummy Gummy Candy,Gummy Heart Candy,Sugar Free Gummy Candy
Montreal Shantou Food Co., Ltd , https://www.montrealsnack.com