All our seeds have been tested for successful germination
Chrysanthemum may be grown from seed sown early indoors and
transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden in
summer, or grown from potted plants.
Sowing Seed Indoors:
- Sow chrysanthemum seeds indoors 2 months before last spring frost date using a seed starting kit.
- Cover the seeds lightly with 1/8 inch of seed starting mix.
- Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F.
- Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days.
- As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny
windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights
turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights
as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this
process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period
to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
- Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4
weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor
houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
- If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant
the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs
of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough
room to develop strong roots.
- Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be
“hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving
them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them
from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or
bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This
hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces
transplant shock and scalding.
Sowing Directly in the Garden:
- Direct sow after all danger of frost.
- Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Sow seeds evenly and cover with 1/8 inches of fine soil.
- Firm the soil lightly and keep it evenly moist.
- Seedlings will emerge in 10-21 days.