Recently, Kashmir’s first Chrysanthemum garden was opened for tourists.
About Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, often called "mums," are a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe. With thousands of cultivars, they are one of the most widely cultivated flowers in the world, prized for their ornamental beauty as well as for medicinal, culinary, and insecticidal uses. 
Physical characteristics

• Flowers: A chrysanthemum flower head is technically a composite inflorescence, or a collection of many tiny flowers, called florets. This structure gives it a full, fluffy appearance. Flowers come in a wide variety of shapes, from classic daisy-like forms to decorative pompons, buttons, spiders, and spoons.
• Colors: While the original chrysanthemums were yellow, they are now available in a rainbow of colors, including white, red, purple, orange, and pink.
• Leaves and stems: The plant has lobed, dark green, and sometimes fragrant leaves, and grows on a herbaceous (non-woody) stem. 

Cultural significance
The chrysanthemum holds deep meaning in many cultures, although its symbolism varies widely. 

• East Asia: The chrysanthemum is native to China, where it is considered one of the "Four Gentlemen" plants, representing nobility and autumn. In Japan, the flower is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family, appearing on the imperial crest. In both cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and rebirth.
• Europe: In many European countries, incurve chrysanthemums are associated with death and mourning and are often used for funerals or placed on graves.
• United States: In the U.S., chrysanthemums are generally regarded as a positive and cheerful flower and are known as the "Queen of Fall Flowers". Different colors can convey different meanings, such as red for love, white for loyalty, and yellow for joy or, in some contexts, neglected love.
• November birth flower: The chrysanthemum is the official birth flower for November. 

Uses and benefits
Beyond their ornamental value, chrysanthemums have several practical applications:

• Culinary: The yellow or white flowers of certain species, like Chrysanthemum morifolium, are used to make chrysanthemum tea in East Asia. The leaves are also used as greens in Chinese cuisine, and some varieties are used as a garnish for sashimi in Japan.
• Medicinal: In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is used to treat headaches, fevers, and inflammation. The flowers contain flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Insecticidal: A natural insecticide called pyrethrum is derived from the flowers of certain chrysanthemum species, such as Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium.
• Air purification: Studies by NASA have shown that chrysanthemum plants can help remove indoor air pollutants, contributing to better air quality. 

Growing and care
Chrysanthemums are relatively easy to grow and will return each year if properly cared for. 

• Planting time: The best time to plant chrysanthemums is in the spring, which gives them time to establish strong roots before winter.
• Light and soil: They require at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-draining, fertile soil. Good air circulation is also important to prevent mildew.
• Watering: Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as mums are susceptible to root rot.
• Pinching: Pinching back the growing tips of new shoots will create a bushier plant with more blooms.
• Overwintering: In colder climates, adding mulch around the plant after the ground has frozen can help it survive the winter. 

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