Chrysanthemums, commonly known as “Guldaudi”, are one of the most beloved and commercially important ornamental flowers in India. Known for their vibrant colors, diverse forms, and prolonged blooming season, chrysanthemums are widely cultivated for cut flowers, garlands, potted plants, and decoration purposes.
Chrysanthemums are highly adaptable to Indian climatic conditions and thrive well in cool to moderate temperatures. Cultivation is prominent in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. The flowers are grown both outdoors in gardens and indoors as potted plants, offering versatile options for flower enthusiasts and commercial growers.
This article highlights more than 10 top chrysanthemum varieties in India, including their characteristics, uses, and regions of cultivation.
1. Yellow Button
Yellow Button is one of the most popular chrysanthemum varieties grown for its small, compact blooms.
- Flower Color: Bright yellow
- Flower Type: Button or pompon
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Produces small, globe-shaped blooms in clusters
- Ideal for garlands, flower arrangements, and decorations
- Low maintenance and heat-tolerant
- Uses: Garlands, floral displays, potted plants
2. Red Gold
Red Gold is a striking variety with bright red blooms and a golden center, adding vibrancy to any landscape.
- Flower Color: Red with a golden center
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter to early spring
- Regions: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Medium-sized blooms with layered petals
- Long-lasting flowers, ideal for cut flower arrangements
- Uses: Cut flowers, bouquets, and ornamental displays
3. White Spider
White Spider is a unique variety admired for its long, spiky petals resembling spider legs.
- Flower Color: Pure white
- Flower Type: Spider
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Distinct spider-like appearance with long petals
- Ideal for special floral arrangements and exhibitions
- Uses: Cut flowers, decorative displays, exhibitions
4. Pink Delight
Pink Delight is a beautiful variety with soft pink blooms, giving a calming and elegant appearance.
- Flower Color: Light pink
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Large, fully double blooms with a soft texture
- Requires moderate maintenance for continuous blooms
- Uses: Cut flowers, home gardens, potted plants
5. Golden Yellow
Golden Yellow is an attractive chrysanthemum variety known for its rich golden-yellow blooms.
- Flower Color: Golden yellow
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter to early spring
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Large blooms with densely packed petals
- High tolerance to heat and moderate drought
- Uses: Flower arrangements, garlands, and potted plants
6. Anemone Purple
Anemone Purple stands out for its anemone-like blooms with a prominent raised center surrounded by petals.
- Flower Color: Purple with a yellow center
- Flower Type: Anemone
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Unique structure with contrasting colors
- Suitable for floral decorations and exhibitions
- Uses: Cut flowers, potted plants, garden landscaping
7. Yellow Reflex
Yellow Reflex is a highly decorative variety with curved petals that give it a unique, full appearance.
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flower Type: Reflex
- Blooming Season: Late winter
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Petals reflex backward, creating a spherical shape
- Produces blooms consistently with proper care
- Uses: Cut flowers, garden decoration, floral displays
8. Snowball
Snowball is a favorite variety with its pure white, ball-shaped blooms, resembling small snowballs.
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Type: Pompon
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Compact blooms in clusters
- Requires moderate maintenance for prolonged flowering
- Uses: Garlands, cut flowers, potted plants
9. Red Rubi
Red Rubi is known for its deep crimson red flowers that stand out in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Flower Color: Dark red
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Large, layered flowers with rich red color
- Heat-tolerant and ideal for open gardens
- Uses: Bouquets, cut flowers, garden landscaping
10. Lavender Lady
Lavender Lady is a delicate variety with soft lavender blooms, adding a soothing touch to gardens.
- Flower Color: Lavender
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Medium-sized blooms with evenly spaced petals
- Thrives in cool climates with well-drained soil
- Uses: Cut flowers, potted plants, ornamental purposes
11. Orange Charm
Orange Charm is a vibrant variety with bright orange blooms, perfect for festive and decorative purposes.
- Flower Color: Orange
- Flower Type: Decorative
- Blooming Season: Winter
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Large blooms with intense orange color
- Tolerant to heat and light drought
- Uses: Garlands, bouquets, garden decoration
FAQs
Q1: Which chrysanthemum variety is best for garlands?
A: Yellow Button and Snowball are ideal for garlands due to their compact blooms and clustered flowers.
Q2: Which chrysanthemum variety is best for cut flowers?
A: Varieties like Red Gold, White Spider, and Red Rubi are excellent for cut flowers and floral arrangements.
Q3: Can chrysanthemums grow in hot climates?
A: Yes, varieties like Golden Yellow and Orange Charm are heat-tolerant and suitable for warmer climates.
Q4: Which variety is ideal for potted plants?
A: Los Banos Variegata, Pink Delight, and Lavender Lady are ideal for potted plants due to their compact growth habit.
Q5: How long do chrysanthemums bloom?
A: Chrysanthemums bloom for 2–3 months, depending on the variety and care, primarily during the winter season in India.
Chrysanthemums are a symbol of beauty and versatility, offering a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes for Indian gardeners and commercial growers. Popular varieties like Yellow Button, Red Gold, Pink Delight, and White Spider thrive in Indian climatic conditions and serve various purposes, from garlands to cut flowers and potted plants. By selecting the right variety and providing proper care, growers can enjoy vibrant blooms and profitable returns from chrysanthemum cultivation.