Planting Time Plant chrysanthemums in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Small plants derived from rooted cuttings, divisions or rooted suckers or old plants can be used. Larger container plants purchased from garden centers may be planted anytime during the spring, summer, or early fall. Soil, Site, and Fertilizer Garden chrysanthemums grow best in a variety of soils but must have excellent drainage conditions.
Growth is poor and winterkill likely in poorly drained wet soils.
Sunny locations are good sites. Plants in semi shady locations will be taller, have weaker stems, and bloom later in the fall. Side dressing plants with a complete fertilizer in early August, especially in years of abundant rainfall or irrigation, also is recommended. If the fertilizer applied in the spring is a slowly available type, such as coated or organic fertilizer, the second application may not be necessary. Early blooming cultivars assure flowering before frost.