Chrysanthemum segetum

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during drought

After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding

Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.

It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Compost · Planting

Ericaceous compost

This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.