How to Grow Edible Chrysanthemum
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Edible Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum coronarium
vegetableEdible chrysanthemum, also known as crown daisy or garland chrysanthemum, is a leafy green vegetable with feathery, deeply lobed foliage and a mild, slightly bitter, peppery flavor. The entire plant—leaves, stems, and flowers—is edible and commonly used in Asian cuisine. It grows quickly and is rich in vitamins A and C, making it both nutritious and ornamental.
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Example Edible Chrysanthemum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Edible Chrysanthemum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Edible Chrysanthemum
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Edible Chrysanthemum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons in warmer climates
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Get my Edible Chrysanthemum timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days. First true leaves are feathery and delicate, appearing within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRapid leaf development with increasingly lobed, feathery foliage. Plant becomes bushy and full. Stems lengthen and new leaf layers continuously form.
Maintain consistent moisture and provide regular watering. Fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch stem tips at 4-6 inches to encourage bushier growth and more leaves.
Branching & Leaf Production
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple lateral branches from main stem. Foliage becomes denser and more full. Leaves reach optimal size and flavor intensity.
Continue regular watering and light feeding. Harvest outer leaves and tender shoots to encourage continued branching and leaf production. Remove any flower buds if focusing solely on leaf harvest.
Flowering
2-4 weeksSmall, daisy-like yellow or white flowers bloom at branch tips. Flowers are edible and add culinary and ornamental value. Flowering signals maturity but may reduce leaf tenderness.
Flowers are edible and can be harvested for garnish or salads. Continue harvesting young leaves and shoots below flowers. Once heavy flowering begins, plant quality declines; consider replanting for continuous harvest.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and seed heads develop. Plant becomes tougher and less palatable for eating. Seeds mature and dry on the plant.
Allow select plants to mature fully if saving seeds. Otherwise, pull plants and replant succession crops for continuous harvest. Seeds mature in 4-6 weeks and can be collected for future planting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain proper spacing for air circulation. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use floating row covers early in season. Apply diatomaceous earth or neem oil. Avoid planting near brassicas which attract flea beetles.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Avoid over-drying soil.
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Hand-pick larger caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations. Use row covers to prevent egg-laying.
Uses
Asian Stir-Fries & Cooking
CulinaryEdible chrysanthemum is a staple vegetable in Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, commonly stir-fried with garlic and oil or added to soups. The tender leaves and stems provide a mild, slightly bitter, peppery flavor that complements Asian dishes. [source]
Fresh Salads & Raw Preparations
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves make an elegant and nutritious addition to fresh salads, providing a delicate texture and subtle peppery taste. The edible flowers add ornamental appeal and a slightly sweet flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedies
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, chrysanthemum has been used to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and promote detoxification. The plant contains beneficial compounds including antioxidants. [source]
Herbal Teas & Infusions
CulinaryLeaves and flowers can be dried and brewed into a mild herbal tea with a slightly floral, botanical taste. This traditional beverage is popular in Asian cultures for its refreshing and calming properties. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, the small daisy-like blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity while providing harvested flowers for culinary use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting leaves and tender shoots 3-4 weeks after planting, once plants are 6-8 inches tall. Pinch or cut outer leaves and stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and continuous production. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Young, tender leaves are most palatable; older leaves become tougher and more bitter. Entire flowering stems with buds and flowers are edible. Continue harvesting until plants bolt heavily or become tough. Cool-season crops (spring and fall) have better flavor than summer crops.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Edible chrysanthemum is called 'Tong Ho' in Chinese and 'Shungiku' in Japanese, and has been cultivated in Asia for over 2,000 years for food and ornamental purposes.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental chrysanthemums, the edible variety (Chrysanthemum coronarium) is not toxic and is entirely safe to eat—flowers, stems, and leaves—making it a truly dual-purpose plant.
- 🌱 Edible chrysanthemum grows so quickly that it can go from seed to harvestable size in just 3-4 weeks under ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing leafy greens for continuous succession planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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