Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'May Queen'

1900 Seeds

'May Queen' is a classic Shasta/Oxeye daisy-type perennial, admired for its large white petals with bright yellow centers and long flowering season. It is ideal for flower beds, borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and cut flower arrangements. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cool season and should be protected from extreme summer heat.

Best Planting Time

• October to January (recommended)
• Sow during the cool season for healthy growth.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• Refrigerate seeds for 2–4 weeks (cold stratification) to improve germination (recommended).
• Allow seeds to return to room temperature before sowing.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

May Queen prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots.
• Scatter seeds on the soil surface.
• Cover lightly with 2–3 mm of fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist.
• Transplant seedlings when they develop 4–6 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–22°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–28°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In the Gulf, morning sun with light afternoon shade is recommended during warm periods.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid waterlogging.
• Apply mulch to help conserve soil moisture.

Germination Time

• 10–21 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 45–60 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Flowers approximately 5–6 months after sowing.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

Fertilization

• Incorporate compost before planting.
• Apply a balanced flowering fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage rather than flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cool season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Provide light afternoon shade during hot spring weather.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
• May Queen is excellent for flower borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, containers, and cut flower production throughout the Gulf.