Chrysanthemum Flower Farming Business Guide for Beginners

If you are planning to start a flower farm business, chrysanthemum farming may be a good fit. Chrysanthemums, or simply “mums,” are one of the favorite flowers worldwide. From autumn bouquets to vase decorations, these lovely flowers enjoy consistent market demand.

Here, in this tutorial, our farm experts will take you through the things you must know about how to start a chrysanthemum flower farm business.

What is Chrysanthemum Flower Farming

Chrysanthemums are flowering plants which are available in a range of colors, such as white, yellow, red, pink, and purple.
They’re widely used for home decorating, weddings, garden landscaping, and even festivals like Thanksgiving and fall festivals.

The flower holds the third position in the flower trade after Jasmine and rose. The scientific name of the chrysanthemum is Dendranthema Grandiflora. And it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The flower is native to the northern hemisphere, chiefly Europe and Asia. In the United States, it is the number one dollar-earning flower and the most reliable.

Chrysanthemum farming refers to the cultivation of these flowers on a commercial basis for selling them to florists, garden shops, grocery stores, and event planners.

Why Start Chrysanthemum Flower Farming?

Starting chrysanthemum farming has numerous benefits:

• Strong demand in autumn, Thanksgiving, weddings, and special events.
• High profit margins with comparatively low startup expenses.
• Chrysanthemums are durable and easy to ship.
• Ability to sell locally to retail markets, wholesalers, and through the internet.
• Increasing demand for locally-grown, seasonal chrysanthemums in the U.S.

Do you want to start a profitable chrysanthemum cultivation business? Find here how to start a chrysanthemum flower farming business with a small investment.

Market Potential for Chrysanthemum Farming in the U.S.

The U.S. floral industry is huge. In 2023, the U.S. cut flower market was valued at over $6 billion and is projected to keep growing. Consumers are looking for locally-sourced, fresh, and seasonal flowers.
Chrysanthemums fit perfectly into this trend, especially as they are a favorite for fall décor and holiday gifting.
Major markets include:

• Farmer’s markets
• Florists and wedding planners
• Grocery stores
• Direct-to-consumer subscription models

Best Climate and Soil for Chrysanthemum Farming

⇒ Climate:

• Chrysanthemums prefer a mild, cool climate.
• Ideal growing temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
• They need full sun (at least 5–6 hours daily) and prefer cooler nights.

⇒ Soil:

• Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal.
• pH levels should be between 6.0 to 7.5.
• Good drainage is critical to avoid root rot.

Read: How To Take Soil Samples For Analysis

Popular Chrysanthemum Varieties in the U.S.

Here are some popular types you might consider growing:

• Garden Mums: Most popular for landscaping and fall decorations.
• Spray Mums: Multiple smaller flowers per stem, used by florists.
• Single Stem Mums: Large blooms, perfect for cut flower bouquets.

Popular commercial varieties include:

• ‘Bold Gretchen’ (deep pink)
• ‘Sunbeam’ (bright yellow)
• ‘Fireglow’ (vivid red)
• ‘Cool Igloo’ (early-blooming, cold-hardy)

Choose your varieties based on your target market and local climate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Chrysanthemum Farming

1. Land Preparation

• Clear the land and remove weeds.
• Add organic matter like compost or aged manure.
• Till the soil to a fine texture to improve aeration and drainage.

2. Propagation

Chrysanthemums are usually propagated through cuttings or starter plugs.

• Purchase disease-free starter plants or plugs from trusted nurseries.
• If propagating yourself, take 4–6-inch stem cuttings from healthy plants.
• Root them in trays or pots under warm, humid conditions.

3. Transplanting

• After 4–6 weeks, transplant seedlings or cuttings to the main field.
• Space plants about 18–24 inches apart.
• Water immediately after planting.

4. Irrigation

• Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
• Install drip irrigation systems for efficient watering.

5. Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) after planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.
• Foliar sprays of micronutrients (like calcium and magnesium) help improve bloom quality.

6. Pinching and Staking

• Pinching the top of plants encourages bushy growth and more blooms.
• Pinch when plants reach 6 inches tall, and again after a few weeks.
• Tall varieties may need staking to prevent plants from bending under the weight of the flowers.

7. Pest and Disease Management

• Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, caterpillars.
• Common diseases: Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot.
• Use organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Proper spacing and airflow prevent most fungal diseases.

Harvesting Chrysanthemums

• Harvest flowers early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or knives.
• Cut stems long enough for bouquets (usually 12–18 inches).

Flowers should be immediately placed in water to preserve freshness.

Post-Harvest Handling

• Remove lower leaves from stems before storage.
• Keep flowers in a cool, humid place.
• Use floral preservatives if storing for several days.

Good post-harvest handling ensures better prices and customer satisfaction.

Investment and Earnings in Chrysanthemum Farming

Estimated Initial Investment:

Item	Estimated Cost
Land Preparation	$800
Starter Plants or Cuttings	$1,200
Fertilizers and Supplies	$600
Irrigation Setup	$1,000
Labor (Seasonal)	$1,000
Marketing and Packaging	$400
Total Estimated Cost	$5,000

(Figures are estimates for 1 acre and may vary by location.)

Profit Potential:

From 1 acre, you can produce 25,000–30,000 stems.

• Average price per stem: $0.50 to $1.50 (depending on market and quality).
• Potential revenue: $15,000 to $30,000 per acre per season.
• Net profit after costs: $10,000 to $25,000 per acre.

You can earn even more by selling directly to consumers through farmers’ markets or subscription flower boxes!

Best Ways to Sell Chrysanthemum Flowers

• Farmer’s markets: Local customers love fresh flowers.
• Wholesale to florists: Reliable volume buyers.
• Grocery stores and farm stands: Steady, repeat sales.
• Online sales: Set up a small e-commerce store or use platforms like Etsy.
• Flower subscriptions: Monthly or weekly bouquets delivered to customers.
• Weddings and event planners: Bulk sales at premium prices.

Building strong relationships with local buyers is the key to consistent sales.

Tips for Success in Chrysanthemum Flower Farming

• Plan your planting schedule to hit peak seasons like Thanksgiving, Halloween, and wedding seasons.
• Grow a variety of colors to appeal to different customers.
• Offer value-added products like ready-made bouquets, DIY flower kits, or small potted mums.
• Use social media marketing (Instagram, Facebook) to showcase your farm.
• Attend floral industry events to network with buyers and learn new techniques.

Challenges in Chrysanthemum Farming

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and blooms! Here are some common challenges:

• Unpredictable weather is affecting harvests.
• Pest outbreaks can occur if not managed early.
• Competition from imports (especially from Colombia and Ecuador).
• Market price fluctuations.

But with smart farming practices and local branding, you can easily stand out and succeed.

Future Scope of Chrysanthemum Farming

The trend toward local, sustainable, and seasonal products is only getting stronger.Consumers love knowing where their flowers come from, and they’re willing to pay more for locally-grown blooms.

Chrysanthemums, with their wide color range, durability, and beauty, fit perfectly into this future. There’s also growing interest in organic flower farming, giving you another niche to explore. Starting now puts you ahead in this blooming industry.

Read: Profitable Plantation Crop Farming Ideas

Conclusion

Chrysanthemum flower cultivation is a profitable, rewarding, and even healing enterprise if you get it right. You can have a business that is as lovely as it is profitable with minimal investment, some enthusiasm, and proper marketing.