Growing Chrysanthemums from Seed

Normally I buy chrysanthemums in August to plant in container gardens for fall color. These late-season flowers usually do not have time to establish root because the winters may turn cold quickly. So a few years back I decided to start Chrysanthemums in my greenhouse in early spring. Then I transplanted the seedlings into my garden and since they are perennials in my area I enjoy their lovely blooms all summer long and well into the the fall season.

Growing Chrysanthemums from seed is easy plus they are long-lived. You benefit from this beautiful flower because the cut stems can be used in floral arrangements, seasonal wreaths, and other fall season decorations.

Here are some tips for growing chrysanthemums from seed.

Plant flower seeds in miracle-grow potting soil. Best to grow them indoors and then transplant them outdoors after the threat of spring frost has passed.

I buy seed starter kits in March and will plant the flower seed. Since I do not have a sunny window I bought a grow light at walmart.com  The soil in the starter kits is kept moist but not wet. I never let the soil dry out because it would cause the seedlings to be stressed.

Transplant chrysanthemum seedlings in spring after the threat of frost has passed.  Or when the weather is an average temperature of 70 degrees.

Choose a sunny garden site with rich soil that is well-drained. Know that if the soil is wet then the Chrysanthemum will weaken. This particular flower is susceptible to powdery mildew so it is wise to plant in full sun, in an area that has good airflow; away from walls, and not too close to other plants.

Transplant the mum seedling into a garden bed that has soil that is amended with compost. 

After planting the seedling, keep the soil evenly moist but not wet until the plant roots become established or new growth is noted. Then water in the morning with drip irrigation because.  It is best to not get the leaves wet. Why morning watering?  It is before the heat of the day when the water evaporates and at dusk, this watering will attract fungus and insects.

Growing Tips: Black-eyed Susan Flower

The Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful yellow flower with a dark brown eye that looks like a daisy and blooms at the end of June and continues to bloom into the fall. 

Black-eyed Susans will brighten your yard and garden when your other flowers have stopped blooming.  This flower will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard and gardens. 

Here are some photographs of my Black-eyed Susan flower gardens.  The splashes of yellow make my yard and garden inviting.

Black-eyed Susan Questions and Answers

Where should I grow Black-eyed Susan?

Grow the black-eyed Susan in masses or add it as an accent plant for your wildflower, prairie, or cottage gardens. Plant the black-eyed Susan close to home or patio, that way you can benefit from this colorful mid-summer flower.

Can you grow Black-eyed Susans from Seed?

I grow the black-eyed Susan from seed.  I start growing the seeds 8-12 weeks before the last frost in spring.  They are easy to grow from seed all you need is the grow kits and a sunny window sill or grow light.  

For growing indoors you would plant the seed in the center of the container, water, and set the container on a southern exposure windowsill.   Water the Black-eyed Susans when needed; it is best to not let them dry out. I like to keep them evenly moist but not wet.    Transplant your seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 inches in height and after the danger of the last frost has passed. 

Plant outdoors after the threat of spring frost has passed by sowing seeds into a garden bed.  Cover the seeds with soil that is mixed with compost or manure and top with organic much; grass clippings, pine needles, or straw. Keep the soil evenly moist.  The seedling should break ground in 12-16 days.

Note: the black-eyed Susan can be planted any time throughout, the growing season provided the plants receive adequate water. If you plant in the summer, select a day that has rain in the forecast, better to plant on a cloudy day, as it is less stressful on the transplant.

I grow these black-eyed Susans with coneflowers and Shasta daisies in my gardens as the flower combination compliment each other and attracts butterflies.