When Do Chrysanthemums Bloom? A Detailed Introduction to Their Blooming Season

The chrysanthemum is the third of China's top ten famous flowers, one of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers (plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum), and one of the world's four major cut flowers (chrysanthemum, rose, carnation, gladiolus), ranking first in production. So, when do chrysanthemums bloom?

1. When do chrysanthemums bloom?

Chrysanthemums bloom at different times depending on the variety.

1. Summer chrysanthemum: also known as the Five-Nine chrysanthemum. It blooms once each year in June and October. With modern protected cultivation, it can be made to bloom once each in May and October of the Gregorian calendar.

2. Autumn chrysanthemum: the blooming period is divided into early and late. Early chrysanthemums bloom in mid-to-late September and are medium-sized chrysanthemums. Late chrysanthemums bloom from October to November and are large chrysanthemums; these are the most commonly cultivated autumn chrysanthemums.

3. Cold chrysanthemum: also called winter chrysanthemum. The blooming period runs from December to January of the following year.

2. The main value of chrysanthemums

1. Ornamental

Admiring chrysanthemums has long been a custom passed down among the Chinese people. From the imperial courts, official households and common folk of ancient capitals, to the people of cities across China today, chrysanthemum gatherings, chrysanthemum exhibitions and various other chrysanthemum-viewing activities are held every autumn. The Beijing Botanical Garden holds chrysanthemum-viewing activities every autumn. The chrysanthemum fair in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan County, Guangdong Province, was first held in the late Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 700 years; it is one of China's longest-running and largest chrysanthemum fairs, and attendance has reached as many as one million people.

Chrysanthemums grow vigorously and have strong sprouting ability. A single chrysanthemum plant, after being pinched back several times, can produce thousands of flower buds. The branches of some varieties are soft and numerous, making them easy to train into various shapes, forming exquisite designs such as chrysanthemum towers, chrysanthemum bridges, chrysanthemum hedges, chrysanthemum pavilions, chrysanthemum gates and chrysanthemum balls. They can also be cultivated into large chrysanthemums, cliff chrysanthemums, ten-variety brocades, bonsai and more, with endlessly varied forms that create a magnificent spectacle, adding countless ornamental artworks to each year's chrysanthemum exhibitions.

2. Edible

Chrysanthemums can be used as medicine to treat illness, and taking them over a long period or drinking chrysanthemum tea can promote longevity. The Song Dynasty poet Su Zhe wrote: “Nanyang white chrysanthemum has wondrous powers; many who live by the pool are old men.” Chrysanthemums can be made into exquisite dishes. “Chrysanthemum pork” is a chrysanthemum dish developed through long experimentation; it is made from pieces of tender white pork prepared by simmering in a sugar syrup, delicate and translucent like white jade. A few shreds of chrysanthemum petals are stuck onto each piece, which fully absorbs the oil and sweet sugar; observe its golden color, and when eaten it is meaty yet vegetable-like, vegetable-like yet meaty, sweet and fragrant without being greasy, truly a famous dish. There are also chrysanthemum fish balls, fried chrysanthemum leaves, chrysanthemum fish slice congee, chrysanthemum soup, chrysanthemum wine, chrysanthemum tea and so on. These chrysanthemum dishes are not only excellent in color, aroma and taste but also rich in nutrients. Beijing's famous “chrysanthemum pot” (that is, adding some chrysanthemums to a mutton hot pot to cook the broth) is light and delicious, with an especially distinctive flavor.

Chrysanthemums endure wind and frost and have tenacious vitality and noble character. Because Tao Yuanming picked chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, the chrysanthemum gained the title of “hermit among flowers.” Moreover, their flowers are very beautiful, so everyone can go and admire them during their blooming season.