Description

hungiku ‘Otafuku’ Seeds (Glebionis coronaria) – Edible Chrysanthemum Delight

Bring ancient elegance and fresh flavor to your garden with Shungiku ‘Otafuku’, the classic Japanese edible chrysanthemum (also known as crown daisy, garland chrysanthemum, or Chop Suey greens). This easy-to-grow novelty green has deep roots in ancient China, where it was once reserved exclusively for nobility. Today, it’s a beloved delicacy in Japanese cuisine, prized for its tender, light-green leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that are fully edible.

The leaves deliver a refreshing, citrusy-grassy flavor with a subtle peppery edge—perfect for adding bright texture and taste to salads, soups, stir-fries, or quick pickles. The large, succulent foliage of ‘Otafuku’ is especially versatile: boil, blanch, or sauté for a mild, spinach-like side dish. In mild climates, enjoy spring and fall harvests from this fast-growing annual.

Named after the joyful Shinto goddess Otafuku—symbolizing “much good fortune” and “plenty of happiness” with her famously broad smile—this variety brings both culinary delight and ornamental charm. The cheerful yellow blooms attract pollinators while the lush foliage makes an attractive edible border or container plant. Grow it and invite good fortune (and delicious greens) into your garden!

• Citrusy & Grassy Flavor – Bright, refreshing taste ideal for fresh salads, Asian stir-fries, soups, or quick-pickling
• Dual-Use Edible Ornamental – Tender leaves + edible golden flowers; doubles as a beautiful, pollinator-friendly accent
• Fast & Forgiving – Quick-growing; perfect for succession planting in spring and fall
• Historical Novelty – Ancient noble crop now accessible to all—add a touch of cultural heritage to your plot
• Joyful Folklore – Named for the goddess of mirth; may growing this bring you happiness and abundance!
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Harvest: 30–45 days for baby leaves; 50–60 days for mature greens and flowers
• Ideal Temperature: 50–75°F (cool-season crop; bolts in extreme heat)
• Seed Depth: 1/4 inch
• Plant Spacing: 6–12 inches
• Frost Hardy: Light frost tolerant (protect in hard freezes)