Chrysanthemums need full sun on a daily basis. They should have 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and thrive. However, don’t be afraid to give your chrysanthemums a full day of sun, because the more direct light they receive, the faster they will grow. You will also see bigger blooms if more light is provided. Your chrysanthemums will be hardier throughout their growing season if they receive more sunlight. These low-maintenance flowers only need shade during hot, summer days when the afternoon sun is strong.
How Many Hours of Sun Do Chrysanthemums Need?
Chrysanthemums need 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but there is no need to limit them to this many hours. 6 hours is simply the amount they must have to be healthy and look beautiful.
- Chrysanthemums need 6 hours of sun every day.
- More than 6 hours is fine as long as temperatures are not above 90℉ (32℃).
- Give your chrysanthemums afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
Chrysanthemums love the sun. If they get a full day of direct sunlight, it will not typically harm them. Just beware of harsh afternoon sunlight if you live in a hot climate where summer temperatures regularly rise above 90℉ (32℃). If this is the case, provide afternoon shade for your chrysanthemum and they should do great.
Can Chrysanthemums Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
Chrysanthemums can grow in indirect sunlight. These conditions will not typically kill your plants or cause them to droop or wilt. There are some drawbacks, though, mostly related to the appearance and size of your chrysanthemum flowers.
- Chrysanthemums can be grown in indirect light.
- Blooms will not be as robust if your chrysanthemums are only given indirect sunlight.
If your chrysanthemums receive less than 6 hours of full sun, or only receive dappled sunlight, their blooms will not be as full and lush. Because chrysanthemums are a flower most people grow for their dramatic blooms, it’s best to avoid planting them in indirect sunlight. You’ll get far bigger and better blossoms if you give your chrysanthemums plenty of direct sunlight.
Can Chrysanthemums Grow in Shade?
Chrysanthemums will not grow very well in shade. Shady planting locations should be avoided because the appearance of your chrysanthemums is directly related to the amount of sunlight they receive.
- Chrysanthemums do not grow well in shade.
- Chrysanthemums will not develop their attractive appearance if planted in shade.
- Blooms may not open, and those that do will only produce small flowers.
- Foliage will become overgrown and leggy.
Chrysanthemum blooms may not open at all if the plant is grown in full shade. If some of the buds do open, the flowers will be small and unhealthy looking. Additionally, the foliage will grow leggy and unattractive. Chrysanthemums are not a good choice for shady parts of your garden. Instead, consider planting begonias in shady flower beds.
What Happens if Chrysanthemums Don’t Get Enough Sun?
Chrysanthemums deprived of sun will not grow to their fullest potential. If they get approximately 5 hours of sunlight, which is just a little less than they need, they might grow a bit leggy but otherwise do okay. However, if they get significantly less than the required 6 hours, you can expect smaller flowers.
- Chrysanthemums won’t grow lush and healthy if they don’t get enough sun.
- Slightly less than 6 hours of sunlight will not dramatically harm your chrysanthemums.
- Significantly less than 6 hours of sun results in smaller flowers.
- Chrysanthemums deprived of sun may grow abnormally tall or develop too much foliage.
Overgrown foliage is a sign of sun-deprived chrysanthemums. The flower stems may grow at odd angles or abnormally tall in an effort to find sunlight. Try to aim for 6 hours of sun a day, or an amount that is at least close to that. If you provide less sun, you likely won’t be pleased with the results.
Can Chrysanthemums Get Too Much Sun?
Chrysanthemums can get too much sun. Even though they are a sun-loving plant overall, any flower can become sun-scorched if temperatures are hot enough. In the case of chrysanthemums, the combination of heat and direct sunlight is not good.
- Chrysanthemums can get too much sun.
- A combination of sun and extreme heat is bad for chrysanthemums.
- Provide shade if it’s very hot, such as in the afternoon or during a heatwave.
Although they enjoy full sun, you must be careful not to confuse sun with heat. In extreme heat, chrysanthemums will begin to wilt and droop, and the flowers may develop blisters or brown spots. If they are in full sun during extreme temperatures, these problems will only get worse. So give your garden mums full sun, just make sure to offer shade during heat waves.
How Much Sun Do Chrysanthemums Require?
Chrysanthemums require full sun to thrive and flourish. When growing chrysanthemums, keep these tips in mind:
- Chrysanthemums require 6 hours of full sun per day.
- More than 6 hours of direct sunlight is even better.
- The more sun they get, the bigger the blooms will be.
- Chrysanthemums are easy to grow, but won’t do well without sun.
- Only provide shade during heat waves or if the afternoon sun is very hot where you live.
In order for the flower buds to open and produce their biggest blooms, you need to provide your chrysanthemums with plenty of sun. So, choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives morning sun and at least some afternoon sun.