Chrysanthemum care tips

Chrysanthemum is one of the world's most important cut flowers, valued for its exceptional vase life, wide range of flower forms and reliable performance throughout the floral supply chain. Available year-round, it is a staple for growers, wholesalers and florists because of its versatility and consistent quality.

Modern Chrysanthemum varieties are available in an extensive palette of colours, including white, yellow, bronze, orange, pink, purple and green. Flower types range from pompon and decorative to spider, spray and disbud varieties, making Chrysanthemum suitable for everything from mixed bouquets to large floral installations.

Originating from China and Japan, Chrysanthemum has been cultivated for centuries and remains an important commercial crop worldwide. Although naturally long-lasting, maintaining excellent water quality, proper hydration and good hygiene throughout the post-harvest chain is essential to preserve flower quality and maximise vase life.

🔎 Challenges: Maintaining Water Quality and Long-Term Display Quality

Chrysanthemum is recognised for its excellent natural vase life, but its performance depends on maintaining good hydration throughout the supply chain. Because stems are often displayed for extended periods, poor water quality and bacterial growth can gradually reduce water uptake, resulting in premature wilting and reduced flower quality.

The large number of petals and dense flower structure can also retain moisture if flowers remain wet for extended periods, increasing the risk of Botrytis during storage and transport under unfavourable conditions. Good air circulation, dry flower heads and correct storage temperatures help minimise this risk.

Although Chrysanthemum has low ethylene sensitivity, consistent post-harvest handling, clean processing conditions and appropriate conditioning solutions ensure flowers maintain their colour, firmness and decorative value from harvest to the consumer.

✅ Best Practices & Product Advice per Phase

For growers

Good post-harvest handling starts immediately after harvest. Rapid cooling, proper hydration and the correct treatment help preserve flower quality, maintain fresh foliage and prepare stems for long distribution periods.

Recommended products – Grower phase

Chrysal OVB

Supports post-harvest quality by maintaining the ornamental value of both flowers and foliage during storage and transport.

Key actions

• Harvest at the recommended maturity stage.
• Cool flowers immediately after harvest.
• Store at 0–2°C (32–36°F).
• Prevent flowers from remaining wet during storage.
• Maintain strict hygiene during harvesting and processing.

For wholesale

Maintaining clean processing conditions and continuous hydration allows Chrysanthemums to retain their excellent vase life throughout distribution. Good hygiene reduces bacterial growth and helps maintain optimal water uptake.

Recommended products – Wholesale phase

Chrysal Professional 2

Supports hydration while helping maintain clean vase solutions during transport, storage and retail display.

Key actions

• Use clean buckets and fresh treatment solution.
• Maintain the cold chain throughout distribution.
• Monitor water quality regularly.
• Avoid mechanical damage during handling.

For florists

Chrysanthemum performs exceptionally well in bouquets and arrangements when stems are properly conditioned before use. Good hydration and clean display conditions help maintain flower quality over extended display periods.

Recommended products – Florists phase

Chrysal Professional 3

Supports optimal flower development and long-lasting display quality in the flower shop.

Key actions

• Recut stems before placing them into solution.
• Remove foliage below the waterline.
• Use clean buckets, containers and tools.
• Avoid placing flowers near direct heat, draughts or strong sunlight.

For consumers (at home)

With proper care, Chrysanthemums can remain attractive for two weeks or longer. Regular maintenance and flower food help preserve colour, freshness and overall vase life.

Recommended products – Consumer phase

Chrysal Universal Flower Food

Provides nutrients and supports clean vase water for maximum vase life.

Care tips for consumers

• Use a clean vase filled with fresh water and Chrysal Universal Flower Food.
• Cut 2–3 cm (1 inch) from the stems using a clean, sharp knife or secateurs.
• Remove leaves below the waterline.
• Top up the vase with fresh water when needed.
• Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters, draughts and ripening fruit.