Few flowers are as closely tied to India’s festive season as the chrysanthemum, and for good reason, it’s practically the signature bloom of Diwali decorations across the country. Sown now, it typically comes into flower from around August through November, with colours ranging from warm yellows and oranges to deep maroons, whites, and lavenders. It prefers a spot with good air circulation rather than being crowded in with other plants, and it’s worth being careful not to overwater it, since its dense foliage is genuinely prone to powdery mildew if it stays damp for too long.
