Flower library · Vase and office · Pooja
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, called shevanti in Maharashtra and guldaudi in the north, is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers and one of the most used flowers in Indian garlands. It is sold as long stems for vases, as spray types with several small heads per stem, and as loose flowers for garlands. A fresh stem often lasts two weeks in a vase.
Chrysanthemum morifolium · Shevanti · Guldaudi · Sevanthi · Chandramallika
Season
Peak supply from roughly September to February, around Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali; year round from polyhouses using light control.
Vase life
10–14 days in a vase; 1–3 days as loose garland flowers
Colours
Yellow, White, Pink, Purple, Orange, Bronze, Green, Red
Grown in
Loose chrysanthemum for garlands is grown mostly in open fields in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, with smaller areas in West Bengal and elsewhere. Long-stemmed and spray types come largely from polyhouses around Pune and Bengaluru.
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How to pick fresh
Family Asteraceae
- aChrysanthemums come as standards, with one large bloom per stem, and sprays, with several smaller flowers on branching stems. Loose garland shevanti is usually a small yellow or white type.
- bFresh blooms are firm and full, with petals tightly packed and no gaps or droop. Tap the head gently: petals should not fall.
- cThe leaves are deeply lobed, dark green and slightly aromatic. They wilt and yellow before the flower, so green, firm leaves show a fresh stem.
- dFor sprays, pick stems with a mix of open flowers and buds showing colour. Hard green buds may not open.
- eAvoid stems with brown centres, papery petal tips or a slimy lower stem.
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Chrysanthemum in pooja
Shevanti garlands are among the most common garlands offered in temples and homes, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Yellow and white shevanti are strung on their own or mixed with marigold and aster, and loose flowers are offered in pooja thalis.
Demand for chrysanthemum rises sharply around Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, when it is used in garlands, door torans and rangoli. In South India, sevanthi is also used in hair strings and in the decoration of temple chariots and festival stages.
Daily pooja flowers in Pune, by 7 am · from ₹1,600 a month →03
Keeping it fresh
- Recut 2–3 cm off each stem at an angle before putting it in water. Chrysanthemum stems are woody, so use a sharp knife or secateurs.
- Remove every leaf below the waterline. Chrysanthemum leaves foul the water quickly and are the most common cause of a short vase life.
- Change the water every two days and recut the stems each time.
- Pull out any leaves that yellow above the water; the leaves usually fade before the flowers.
- Keep them away from direct sun and fruit. They tolerate AC rooms well, which suits offices.
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Where it is used
- Chrysanthemum is one of the most used flowers in garlands, for deities, guests and weddings.
- Its long vase life suits offices, where arrangements are replaced weekly.
- Spray types fill out mixed bouquets and home vases.
- Loose flowers are used in rangoli, torans and festival decoration, especially around Diwali.
- The home Weekly Flower Subscription includes chrysanthemum.
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Chrysanthemum in your city
Pune's mild weather and nearby growers mean shevanti lasts two weeks or more in a vase.
Chrysanthemum tolerates Delhi's dry heat better than most cut flowers, though summer water should be changed daily.
Indore's cool winter months give chrysanthemums a long vase life; in summer keep them in the coolest room.
Chandigarh's winters suit chrysanthemum well and stems often last over two weeks.
Mumbai's humidity can brown the centres of large blooms; keep the vase airy and remove any spotted petals.
Bangalore is close to major growing areas, and its mild weather gives a long vase life.
Hyderabad's dry summer shortens garland life to a day, while stems in a vase hold well with water changes every two days.
Ahmedabad's summer heat wilts loose shevanti quickly, so keep garlands in shade and sprinkle them lightly with water.
Kolkata's humidity can cause mould on dense blooms, so keep them in a ventilated spot and change water often.
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Get it delivered
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Questions
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase?
Usually ten to fourteen days, often longer in cool weather. They are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers if the leaves below the waterline are removed and the water is changed every two days.
Why do chrysanthemum leaves turn yellow before the flowers fade?
This is normal. The leaves use water faster and age sooner than the flowers. Pull off yellow leaves as they appear; the flowers keep going.
Are shevanti and guldaudi the same flower?
Yes. Shevanti is the Marathi name and guldaudi the Hindi name for chrysanthemum. It is also called sevanthi in Kannada and Tamil and chandramallika in Bengali.
How do I keep a shevanti garland fresh overnight?
Sprinkle it lightly with water, wrap it loosely in a damp cloth or newspaper, and keep it in a cool place away from fruit. Do not seal it in plastic, which traps moisture and browns the petals.
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