How to Grow Garland Chrysanthemum

Garland Chrysanthemum

Glebionis coronaria

vegetable

Also known as edible chrysanthemum or crown daisy, this leafy green is popular in Asian cuisine for its distinctive, slightly bitter flavor and feathery foliage. The plant produces both tender leaves and edible flowers that can be harvested throughout the growing season. It's a cool-season crop that bolts quickly in heat, making it ideal for spring and fall cultivation.

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

  1. Plant Garland Chrysanthemum

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Garland Chrysanthemum

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of sunlight daily
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly depending on weather. Reduce watering as temperatures cool in fall.
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Spacing: 6-8 inches
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Days to maturity: 45-60
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost aged manure peat moss

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in cooler zones as a cool-season crop

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-10 days in cool conditions (60-70°F). Seedlings develop true leaves with the characteristic feathery form.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings when 1-2 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and increasingly divided, fern-like leaves. Foliage becomes denser and more harvestable.

Water consistently. Pinch off early flower buds to encourage leaf production. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

3

Flowering & Bud Production

2-3 weeks

Small yellow daisy-like flowers begin forming at stem tips. Buds and early flowers are edible and tender.

Harvest flower buds when small for best tenderness. Pinch off mature flowers to redirect energy to new leaf growth and extend harvest window.

4

Peak Harvest & Maturation

3-4 weeks

Plant reaches full size with abundant harvestable leaves and flowers. Foliage becomes more robust and slightly tougher.

Harvest regularly to prevent bolting. Cut outer stems to encourage new growth. Water during dry spells to slow bolting.

5

Senescence & Decline

1-2 weeks before complete senescence

Plant begins flowering heavily, leaves become coarser and more bitter, growth slows. Plant eventually goes to seed.

Plan succession plantings for continuous supply. Pull spent plants and prepare beds for next crop. Collect seeds if desired for next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Fennel kohlrabi pole beans

Common Pests

  • Use row covers on young plants. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant nasturtiums as trap crop.

  • Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap. Use yellow sticky traps. Encourage beneficial insects.

  • Increase humidity by misting. Spray with neem oil or miticide. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs.

Uses

🍳

Asian Stir-fries & Sautés

Culinary

The tender leaves and young stems are a staple in Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cooking. They're often lightly stir-fried, steamed, or added to soups, bringing a distinctive slightly bitter, slightly sweet flavor profile. [source]

🍳

Fresh Salads & Garnish

Culinary

Young tender leaves add a unique peppery, herbal bitterness to raw salads. The flowers also serve as beautiful, edible garnishes with a mild chrysanthemum flavor. [source]

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Leaf Vegetables & Side Dishes

Culinary

Blanched, boiled, or steamed as a nutritious green vegetable side dish. Popular in Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine as a simple accompaniment. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

Used in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian medicinal practices to help clear heat, detoxify, and support respiratory health. Often brewed as a tea. [source]

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Natural Insecticide Properties

Household

Contains pyrethrin compounds found in many natural pesticides. The plant has been traditionally used in agricultural practices to repel pests. [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 stems when plant is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after planting. Pinch or cut outer stems to encourage bushier growth and continuous harvest. Harvest flower buds when small and still tender—they become tougher and more bitter when fully open. Morning harvest yields crispest leaves. Can be cut back to 2 inches above soil for regrowth in optimal conditions.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Glebionis coronaria was reclassified from the genus Chrysanthemum in 1995, though it's still commonly called edible chrysanthemum or crown daisy in culinary contexts.
  • 🌱 In Japan, it's known as 'shungiku' and is so popular it's available year-round in markets; Japanese cooks prize it for sukiyaki and shabu-shabu hot pot dishes.
  • 🌱 The plant naturally contains pyrethrin compounds, making it pest-resistant and allowing it to be grown with minimal pesticide use—it's a favorite for organic gardens.

Gardening Terms

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

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