Plants ordered today will begin shipping mid-March 2024
Chrysanthemum, Chinese Gong-ju-hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium) plant in a 9 inch pot, organic
$21.00
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to Zones 5 to 10
(Autumn Chrysanthemum, Huangshan gongju) Evergreen subshrub native to China, an ancient cultigen that cannot be propagated by seed. This is a choice cultivar with small, fall to early winter blossoming flowers of yellow and cream. Strong flavor, taste sweet to slightly bitter, a superior flower for making Chrysanthemum tea. The main harvest of these flowers occurs in my Zone 7 garden around November 15, significantly later than the Bo-ju-hua cultivar. Plant prefers sun and well-drained garden soil, frequent watering. Space plants 2 feet apart.
Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown
In stock
Question
anupamarani –
Richo, Mine have flowered so much and so beautifully in my front(Zone 7b). Now I wanted to dry the flowers for tea. What is the best way to dry? Sun dry or indoors spread on cotton cloth like tulsi? Also fresh flowers can be made into tea as well right?
Thank you.
Anu
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hello Anu, The Ju-hua flowers are very delicate and are best used dried. See page 207 of “Making Plant Medicine” for full instructions. In short, pick in early maturity and dry in the shade on screens or like you said on cloth, that would be fine. Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Christen –
One more question, Richo!! Can you tincture the flowers?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hi Christen, actually glad you asked that, people would really benefit from knowing more about chinese chrysanthemum (Ju-hua). Of course its a classic tea herb but it can also be tinctured and is often made into a medicated wine. See pages 207 to 209 for more in-depth info. Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Christen –
If I choose to put my 4” plant into a 3 gallon pot like you suggested and put it in my cold greenhouse, do I need to water it during the winter. My greenhouse is new and I’ve never done this before. Thanks!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Yes, potted plants even during dormancy are best not allowed to dry out completely. You can mulch the pots to protect from frost and protect from drying out. I probably water my unheated greenhouses once a week during the dormant cycle.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Christen –
I just ordered this plant. I am concerned about getting it through the winter (zone 6) bc sometimes NW Ohio has very harsh winters. Any tips. Or maybe should I keep it in a pot inside this winter? Thanks for any help!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hello Christen, Thanks for writing. Zone 6 is compatible for overwintering this plant and it does require a cold dormancy, so you’re in there. Attempting to overwinter indoors (like on a windowsill in the house) is not recommended. But you can up-pot to a 3-gallon and overwinter in a cold greenhouse, that would be fine. Otherwise plant to the intended spot, mulch and tag, and let it grow on to become well enough established by frost to overwinter successfully. These are tough. Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Ann Kohl –
How tall do these mums get?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
2 to 3 feet
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal