Chrysanthemum Coronarium
Growing Chrysanthemum Coronarium
Chrysanthemum coronarium plants are also known as crown daisies, garland chrysanthemums and shungiku. These plants were first cultivated in China as far back as the 15th century BC, and are thought to have been brought to Europe in the 17th century. They are easy to grow and very attractive plants and can make a wonderful addition to your garden. They bloom several times a year, making them a beautiful sight, but they also are edible and can be considered quite a delicacy. They make great herbs to grow with children as well and are considered to have a variety of medicinal purposes.
Chrysanthemum coronarium plants are a dicot annual herb, one of the few annuals in the genius. They produce gray/blue or green bipinnately lobed leaves and yellow or white florets grouped in small rayed flower heads. The flowers can have more than 14 pedals. They can grow to 24-36 inches tall, and their bushy leaves and abundant, bright flowers make them a favorite with gardeners. When planted together in large numbers, they create a great display.
While Chrysanthemum coronarium is not found readily growing throughout all of North America, they are relatively hardy plants that can be planted almost anywhere the conditions are right. Purchasing plants or seeds is an easy process from just about any gardening store or online shop. They are listed under the USDA Hardiness Zone 9, meaning they cannot tolerate snow, but can withstand occasional freezing temperatures. They are also easy to grow and have a seed germination rate of about 60-80%. The flowers bloom throughout the spring, summer and fall and require full sunlight. The soil pH levels should be around 6.1 to 7.8, mild acidic soil to mild alkaline soil. Extremely warm temperatures can cause premature flowering, so they do best in mild conditions.
Plant your coronarium seeds in full sun, about 12-15 inches apart, and at a soil depth of about 1/16th- 1/8th of an inch. The best time to sow seeds is in the early spring. You can choose to sow your seeds indoors, in which case it is best to do so before the last frost, or outdoors, just after the last frost. Plants should emerge in about 10-20 days. In the fall, if you wish to collect seeds from your coronarium plants, allow the seeds to fully dry before collecting them. Cut Chrysanthemum coronarium flowers last a very long time, making them great for vase decorations.
Besides being very attractive plants, coronariums are also editable and can be found in a variety of cooking recipes. They are often used in Cantonese cuisine, and are especially used in Hong Kong dishes and the Japanese Nabemono ‘hot pot’ style of cooking. Both the leaves and flowers can be eaten. They are said to have a light, spicy flavor and are used in soups and stir-fry, and can even be eaten in salad form. When choosing to eat your coronarium plants, you will want to pick young leaves and stems, as they have a better flavor. A large quantity of recipes using Chrysanthemum coronarium plants can be found at the library or on the internet.
Scientists also use Chrysanthemum coronarium plants for medical studies. They can be used to study diseases in plants. There is also some research that suggests they may medicinal purposes for humans as well. There is a possibility that these plants contain a naturally occurring plant sterol called campesterol, which may have cholesterol lowering and anticarcinogenic effects. Not much about this can be proven yet, but scientific studies are underway. Traditionally, chrysanthemum teas have been used to treat a variety of ailments in China, including aiding in recovering from influenza.
Chrysanthemum coronarium plants are incredibility interesting and can be enjoyed in a garden or on the dinner table. Their naturally occurring properties make them useful for medical reasons as well. Overall, they make an attractive plant species.