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This "painted daisy" was introduced from Morocco 200 years ago. The plants are about 2 ft. tall and bushy, topped in midsummer with bright daisies in a riot of colors: red, white or yellow, ringed with scarlet, mahogany, orange or rust. Flowers are 3" across. Excellent cut flowers..How to Sow and PlantChrysanthemum may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost.Sowing Seed Indoors:Sow chrysanthemum seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost date using a seed starting kitSow seeds thinly and barely press in. Do not cover with soil as light aids germination.Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees FSeedlings emerge in 10-21 daysAs soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.Planting in the Garden:Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12 inches, removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.Set plants 12 inches apart in the garden.Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.Keep soil evenly moist but not wet.After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer as higher rates may encourage root rots.Remove spent flower heads to keep plants flowering until fall.Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Remove plants after they are killed by frost in fall to avoid disease issues the following year.Chrysanthemums make great long lasting, fragrant cut flowers.Great for containers as well as in the garden as a bedding plant.Annual chrysanthemum blooms in late summer and fall. It is not hardy and is grown as an annual.