FAQ's

Our society is based in Willenhall, West Midlands, UK. We hold our shows at St Andrews Church, Bentley, WS2 0AA. Show dates are available in the 'Show Dates' section of the website.

A chrysanthemum is a flowering plant known for its wide range of bloom sizes, shapes and vibrant colours. They are very popular amongst florists, cut flower enthusiasts and, of course, people who show chrysanthemums, which is what we aim to encourage.

For show chrysanthemums unfortunately not! Exhibition Chrysanthemums are grown from cuttings of a plant from the previous year. The process starts right after the show season ends, boxing up previous footstools that will be put on heated benches to produce cuttings.

Most varieties of chrysanthemums that are registered for showing flower from August to November. With such a wide range of chrysanthemums to choose from they offer colour in your garden and on the show benches when everything else is dulling down! 

Absolutely! Many varieties grow very well in pots provided they get enough feed, water and sunlight.

Watering frequency depends on the weather and growing conditions, so it is hard to give a specific number of days between watering. But the main aim is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can do as much damage as underwatering!

Stopping a chrysanthemum is taking the growing tip out from the top of the plant and allowing side shoots to develop. When aiming to get flowers to Chrysanthemum shows, stopping dates are crucial, but fully depend on what you are growing and where in the UK you are based.

Spray Chrysanthemums are grown with the intention of producing multiple blooms per stem whereas disbuds are grown to produce 1 large bloom per stem.

It totally depends on variety selection and building knowledge over time. Sprays are generally easier to grow, as they take less to produce a nice stem. Bigger disbud varieties and so on may be more difficult to produce high-quality blooms, but they are all equally as rewarding.

Yes, most local societies are always welcoming beginners and are keen to help new growers get started!

Chrysanthemums grown for showing have been bred over decades for bloom size, shape and quality and are grown using specific techniques to get the most potential from the plant. Garden centre chrysanthemums typically tend not to be grown along the same line and are normally not registered as show flowers.

Many varieties remain attractive for several weeks on the plant and can also last multiple weeks as cut flowers. Many exhibition growers will take blooms home from a show and re-use them at the next show they are attending!