About Chrysanthemum
One of the world's most popular ornamental flowers, chrysanthemums produce dense, layered blooms in an astonishing range of forms — pompons, spiders, daisies, and cushion types — in colors spanning white, yellow, pink, red, bronze, and purple. In the Philippines, they are the quintessential All Saints' Day flower, filling cemeteries and markets with color every November. Chrysanthemum belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from China and Japan; cultivated for over 2,500 years. Widely grown throughout the Philippines especially in highland areas..
Chrysanthemums are the undisputed flower of Undas (All Saints' Day, November 1) in the Philippines. Every October, Dangwa flower market in Manila and flower farms in Benguet province ramp up production to supply millions of stems for cemetery visits. Baguio and La Trinidad are the primary growing regions, where the cool highland climate allows year-round cultivation. In lowland areas like Metro Manila, chrysanthemums are typically bought as cut flowers or short-term potted plants rather than permanent garden subjects. The flower is also associated with long life and is a popular gift for elderly family members.
Also known as: Mums, Chrysanth.
Popular Varieties
- Chrysanthemum 'Pompon' (small, round, dense blooms)
- Chrysanthemum 'Spider' (long, tubular, curling petals)
- Chrysanthemum 'Cushion' (low-mounding, masses of daisy-like flowers)
- Chrysanthemum 'Decorative' (large, fully double exhibition blooms)
How to Plant Chrysanthemum in the Philippines
Chrysanthemum can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. The recommended method is stem cuttings from vigorous mother plants.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Select 10-15 cm non-flowering shoots from healthy plants.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaves at the top.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist sandy loam or coco peat.
- Step 4: Keep in bright shade and mist regularly.
- Step 5: Roots develop in 2-3 weeks.
- Step 6: Transplant to final position once well-rooted, spacing 30-40 cm apart.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours of light daily for best flowering). Position your chrysanthemum where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water at soil level 2-3 times per week. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions — performs best in Baguio, Tagaytay, and highland areas). Moderate — prefers good air circulation over high humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing chrysanthemum outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 2 weeks during growing phase. Switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-20) when buds begin forming to boost bloom size.
Pruning
Pinch growing tips repeatedly when plants are young to encourage branching and more flower buds. Remove spent flowers promptly. Cut back to 15 cm after the blooming season.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (can cause vomiting and skin irritation). Safe for humans — chrysanthemum tea is widely consumed.
Common Problems & Solutions
Flowers wilting quickly
Cause: Excessive heat or direct afternoon sun in lowland areas
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in Metro Manila. Mulch around roots to keep soil cool.
Leaf spot or powdery mildew
Cause: Wet leaves, poor air circulation, and humid conditions
Solution: Water at the base only. Space plants for airflow. Apply fungicide as needed.
Aphids on buds and new growth
Cause: Soft tissue attracting sap-sucking insects
Solution: Spray with neem oil or soapy water. Inspect regularly as buds form.
Stunted growth and poor flowering in lowlands
Cause: Too much heat — chrysanthemums are naturally cool-season plants
Solution: Grow in the coolest part of your garden. In Metro Manila, treat as a seasonal display rather than a permanent planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Chrysanthemum in the Philippines?
Chrysanthemum needs full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours of light daily for best flowering). Water at soil level 2-3 times per week. avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues. keep soil moist but not soggy.. Feed with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 2 weeks during growing phase. switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-20) when buds begin forming to boost bloom size.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions — performs best in Baguio, Tagaytay, and highland areas) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Chrysanthemum?
The recommended method is stem cuttings from vigorous mother plants. Select 10-15 cm non-flowering shoots from healthy plants. Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaves at the top.
Is Chrysanthemum toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (can cause vomiting and skin irritation). Safe for humans — chrysanthemum tea is widely consumed.
Can Chrysanthemum grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Chrysanthemum grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Chrysanthemum?
Common issues include: Flowers wilting quickly (caused by excessive heat or direct afternoon sun in lowland areas — provide afternoon shade in metro manila. mulch around roots to keep soil cool); Leaf spot or powdery mildew (caused by wet leaves, poor air circulation, and humid conditions — water at the base only. space plants for airflow. apply fungicide as needed); Aphids on buds and new growth (caused by soft tissue attracting sap-sucking insects — spray with neem oil or soapy water. inspect regularly as buds form).
Growing chrysanthemum in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!