Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
between multiple varieties. Alternatively, bag flowers or grow in an isolation cage (pollinator insects
are not necessary).
Garland chrysanthemum seeds
Garland chrysanthemums are, thanks to their beautiful flowers, also frequently grown as ornamentals.
GROWING FOR SEED
The garland chrysanthemum is an annual and grows to 8-15 in. (20-40 cm) tall.
Sow midspring so that plants do not bolt so rapidly and can be selected for good leaf development, and
seeds have ample time to ripen. When growing for edible leaves, sow from early spring to early au-
tumn. For seed harvest and cleaning, proceed as for lettuce (
Lactuca sativa
).
DISEASES AND PESTS
Under normal conditions, diseases and pests are rarely an issue with garland
chrysanthemums. Occasionally, leaf spot disease (pathogens:
Gloeosporium chrysanthemi
or
Cer-
cospora chrysanthemi
) can occur. Both fungi are seed-borne, so do not save seed from affected plants.
CULTIVATION HISTORY
This chrysanthemum species comes from the Mediterranean region, presum-
ably Portugal. It is widely cultivated in Japan and China as a vegetable and herb plant.
Ripe seeds of garland chrysanthemums can be plucked directly from the flower receptacles.
