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How to Grow Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum

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Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Ernest Ballard'

flower

Ernest Ballard is a classic hardy chrysanthemum cultivar known for its deep red, pompom-form flowers and exceptional cold tolerance. This perennial produces multiple blooms on sturdy stems and is prized for fall color and reliability in temperate gardens. It remains one of the most popular heritage varieties among chrysanthemum enthusiasts.

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Example Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum blooms

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ernest Ballard Chrysanthemum dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours preferred for best flowering
💧
Water: Moderate; water at soil level when top inch is dry. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Reduce watering in fall as flowering begins. Drought tolerant once established.
📏
Spacing: 18 inches
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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from transplant to first bloom
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Planting depth: Transplants at soil surface or slightly deeper; seeds very shallow (barely cover)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, slightly fertile
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost aged manure perlite for drainage avoid heavily amended soil which promotes soft growth

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with exceptional hardiness making it reliable even in zone 3 winters

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young transplants develop roots and establish baseline growth; minimal visible growth in first 2-3 weeks

Water gently and consistently. Pinch out terminal growth if transplants are leggy to encourage branching. Avoid fertilizing heavily.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and deep green foliage; no buds visible yet. Growth is bushy and compact with proper pinching.

Pinch out growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall; repeat pinching every 3 weeks until mid-July (stops at 8 weeks before bloom for best results). Remove any flower buds that appear early. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

3

Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Leaf axils form tiny flower buds; plant naturally transitions to reproductive phase triggered by shortening day length (photoperiodism) in late summer

Stop pinching immediately once buds visible. Maintain consistent watering. Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) to support flowering rather than foliage.

4

Flowering & Bloom

4-8 weeks (staggered bloom)

Deep red pompom flowers develop with tightly packed petals; each plant produces dozens of blooms. Peak flowering occurs in fall (September-November depending on zone).

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Provide staking if stems lodge under flower weight. Water at soil level; stop overhead watering. No fertilizer needed during bloom.

5

Dormancy & Overwintering

4-5 months (November-March)

Plant dies back after hard frost; foliage blackens and stems become woody. Roots remain alive and dormant underground.

Cut stems back to 2-3 inches after first hard freeze. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (straw, shredded leaves) in zones 3-5 for extra winter protection. Do not over-water dormant plants. Divide every 3 years in early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Asters Sedum Ornamental grasses Coneflowers Black-eyed Susans Salvia Phlox Daylilies

Avoid planting near:

Fennel dill (can inhibit growth) plants competing for space with shallow roots

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation to discourage infestations.

  • Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Remove heavily infested leaves. Apply spinosad or neem oil. Remove plant debris where pupae overwinter.

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or baking soda solution (1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp oil + 1 gallon water). Remove infected foliage.

  • Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain plant vigor with proper watering.

Uses

🍳

Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Chrysanthemum petals are mildly peppery and slightly bitter, used in Asian cuisine as a tea ingredient (flower teas) or as delicate salad garnishes. They add visual appeal and subtle flavor to dishes. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum flowers are used to make infusions believed to cool the body, improve eyesight, and reduce inflammation. Modern herbalists use dried petals for calming teas. [source]

🏠

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Ernest Ballard's deep red pompoms are classic in autumn floral arrangements, funeral wreaths, and decorative displays. The long vase life and sturdy stems make them ideal for professional and home flower work. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant pompom flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects during the critical fall migration and foraging season, providing essential nectar when few other blooms are available. [source]

🎨

Dried Flowers & Crafts

Craft

Ernest Ballard flowers dry exceptionally well, retaining color and form for dried arrangements, wreaths, pressed flower crafts, and botanical art projects lasting months or years. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers when blooms are fully open but centers still tight (mid-bloom stage) for longest vase life. Cut early morning after dew dries. Remove lower leaves before arranging. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems at an angle. Flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase. For dried arrangements, harvest at full bloom and hang upside-down in dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ernest Ballard was an English chrysanthemum breeder who developed this cultivar in the early 1900s, and it remains one of the hardiest and most reliable varieties over a century later.
  • 🌱 Chrysanthemums are the official November birth flower in the Northern Hemisphere and hold deep cultural significance in Japan, where they symbolize loyalty and longevity.
  • 🌱 This variety's exceptional hardiness comes from its genetic lineage tracing back to wild Chrysanthemum morifolium populations from mountainous regions of China, where survival through harsh winters was essential.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Transplant
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