How to Grow Chrysanthemum: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
How to Grow Chrysanthemum?
To grow chrysanthemums successfully, there are several key steps to follow.
Firstly, pinch out the main growing point of young plants to encourage branching.
It is important to water regularly throughout the growing season, avoiding letting the soil or compost dry out completely.
In April, apply a general fertilizer to boost growth, and in June, use a nitrogen-rich feed.
During flowering, apply a high-potassium feed to maximize the display.
After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed germination.
To produce large blooms or well-balanced clusters, use the disbudding technique.
Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain a good display and encourage new buds to form.
Hardy chrysanthemums can survive temperatures down to -5˚C, but it is safer to lift and store plants in frost-free conditions during winter.
Stand the stools in a shallow tray with slightly damp compost and keep the compost just moist.
It is possible to leave chrysanthemums in the ground throughout winter in mild regions if protected.
For container-grown chrysanthemums, bring them indoors after flowering and overwinter in frost-free locations.
In mild regions, containers can be left outside if positioned in a warm, sheltered spot.
Protect the containers by wrapping them in insulating layers of fleece and ensuring proper drainage.
After flowering, cut down stems to about 20cm and lift plants, removing soil and snipping off green shoots and leaves.
Key Points:
- Pinch out the main growing point of young plants to encourage branching
- Water regularly and avoid letting the soil or compost dry out completely
- Apply a general fertilizer in April and a nitrogen-rich feed in June to boost growth
- Apply a high-potassium feed during flowering to maximize the display
- Apply a thick layer of mulch after planting to retain moisture and prevent weed germination
- Use the disbudding technique to produce large blooms or well-balanced clusters
Did You Know?
1. Chrysanthemums are one of the few flowers that have been cultivated for over 2,500 years, originating from China, where they are considered the national flower.
2. Did you know that chrysanthemums are not only beautiful but also edible? In many Asian cuisines, the petals are used as a garnish or dried and used to make tea.
3. Chrysanthemums have a remarkable ability to purify the air. NASA even included them in their list of air-purifying plants, making them a great addition to your indoor garden.
4. In Japan, chrysanthemums hold a significant cultural importance. They are celebrated during the Festival of Happiness, held every fall, where intricate chrysanthemum arrangements are displayed in recognition of the flower’s beauty and symbolism.
5. The color of a chrysanthemum often carries great meaning. Red represents love, white symbolizes purity and innocence, yellow is associated with joy and optimism, and purple is often used to honor and remember loved ones.
Encouraging Branching In Young Chrysanthemum Plants
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are beautiful flowering plants that can add vibrant colors to any garden. To ensure that your chrysanthemum plants grow healthy and produce abundant blooms, it is important to encourage branching in young plants.
One effective way to promote branching is by pinching out the main growing point of the young chrysanthemum plants. This can be done using your fingers or a pair of sharp pruners. Simply pinch or cut off the top of the plant when it reaches about 4-6 inches in height. This will signal the plant to branch out and develop multiple stems, resulting in a fuller and more bushy plant.
By encouraging branching, you are allowing the chrysanthemum plant to produce more flower buds, which will eventually result in a more spectacular display of blooms. This technique is particularly beneficial if you plan to use chrysanthemums for cut flowers or exhibitions, as it will ensure larger and more well-balanced clusters.
Proper Watering And Fertilization For Chrysanthemum Growth
Watering is a crucial aspect of chrysanthemum care, as these plants have specific moisture requirements. Throughout the growing season, it is essential to water your chrysanthemum plants regularly and avoid letting the soil or compost dry out completely.
To determine the watering frequency, check the moisture level of the soil regularly. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
In addition to proper watering, chrysanthemums also benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a general fertilizer in April to provide the plants with essential nutrients to kickstart their growth. Then, in June, offer a nitrogen-rich feed to boost their overall development. This will encourage vigorous growth and ensure that the plants have the necessary resources to produce an abundance of flowers.
- Regularly check the moisture level of the soil
- Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to determine if it needs watering
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and moisture-related issues
- Apply a general fertilizer in April for essential nutrients
- Apply a nitrogen-rich feed in June for vigorous growth
Maximizing Flower Display With High-Potassium Feed
To maximize the flower display of your chrysanthemum plants, it is important to use a high-potassium feed during the flowering stage. Potassium is a vital nutrient for flower development and promotes vibrant colors and strong blooms.
Choose a high-potassium fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants and apply it according to the instructions on the packaging. This will help your chrysanthemum plants reach their full blooming potential and produce larger, more vibrant flowers.
When using a high-potassium feed, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and avoid applying excessive amounts. Too much potassium can disrupt the balance of nutrients in the soil, which may lead to adverse effects on plant growth. Strike a balance by providing your chrysanthemums with the right amount of potassium to enhance their flower display.
Mulching To Retain Moisture And Prevent Weeds
Mulching is a beneficial practice for chrysanthemum cultivation as it helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth. After planting your chrysanthemum plants, apply a thick layer of mulch to the soil surface.
Mulch acts as a protective barrier, preventing evaporation of moisture from the soil. This is particularly important during the hot summer months when plants are more prone to drought stress. By retaining moisture, mulch ensures that your chrysanthemums have a steady supply of water, promoting their overall health and vitality.
Additionally, mulch helps to suppress weed growth by smothering weed seeds and blocking their access to sunlight. This reduces competition for resources, allowing your chrysanthemums to thrive without having to compete with invasive weeds for water and nutrients.
- Choose organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, as it will break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.
- Ensure that the mulch layer is thick enough, around 2-3 inches, to provide effective moisture retention and weed prevention.
“Mulching is a beneficial practice for chrysanthemum cultivation as it helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.”
Disbudding Technique For Large Blooms And Cut Flowers
If you want your chrysanthemum plants to produce large, show-stopping blooms or if you plan to use them for cut flowers, the disbudding technique is key. Disbudding involves removing certain flower buds to allow others to develop and reach their full potential.
To disbud your chrysanthemum plants, carefully pinch off the side buds that form in the leaf axils below the terminal bud. This directs the plant’s energy to fewer buds, resulting in larger and more robust flowers. By removing the side buds, you are also ensuring that the plant’s energy is not divided among multiple blooms, which can result in smaller, less impressive flowers.
Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain a good display and encourage new buds to form. This will keep your chrysanthemum plants looking fresh and vibrant throughout the blooming season.
- Disbud chrysanthemum plants to promote larger blooms
- Pinch off side buds to direct energy to fewer buds
- Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage new buds
Overwintering Chrysanthemum Plants: Frost-Free Locations And Container Care
Chrysanthemum plants are generally hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -5˚C (23˚F). However, to ensure their survival during the winter months, it may be safer to lift and store them in frost-free conditions.
Before the first frost arrives, cut down the stems of your chrysanthemum plants to about 20cm (8 inches) and lift them carefully from the ground. Remove any excess soil and snip off any remaining green shoots and leaves. This will help reduce the risk of disease and provide a clean start for the plants in the following season.
Label each plant if you have several different types to ensure you can identify them when it’s time to replant. Stand the stools in a shallow tray on a 5cm (2 inches) layer of slightly damp compost. Store the chrysanthemum plants in a cold but frost-free location, such as a cool greenhouse, conservatory, or garage. Keep the compost just moist through the winter, being careful not to overwater.
In mild regions where temperatures are unlikely to fall below -5˚C (23˚F) and in well-drained soil, leaving the chrysanthemum plants in the ground through winter is possible. However, it is still recommended to provide them with some protection. Cover the root zone with an insulating layer of mulch and use a cloche to protect the plants from winter rain and harsh weather conditions.
For chrysanthemum plants grown in containers, extra care is required during the winter months. They are more vulnerable to cold temperatures, so it is advisable to bring them indoors after flowering has finished. Frost-free locations like cool greenhouses or enclosed porches are suitable for overwintering potted chrysanthemums.
In mild regions where temperatures are not severe, containers can be left outside if they are moved to a warm, sheltered spot. Place them in the lee of a wall or under the eaves, where they can receive some protection from the elements. It is important to wrap the containers in insulating layers of fleece to protect the roots and prevent the compost from getting waterlogged.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow chrysanthemums and enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year. With proper care and attention, your chrysanthemum plants will reward you with an impressive display of colors and bring joy to your garden.
- Cut down chrysanthemum stems to about 20cm (8 inches) before frost
- Lift plants carefully and remove excess soil, green shoots, and leaves
- Label plants to identify them for replanting
- Store plants in a cold but frost-free location
- Keep compost just moist through winter, avoiding overwatering
- Provide protection for plants left in the ground with mulch and cloche
- Bring potted chrysanthemums indoors after flowering
- Use frost-free locations like cool greenhouses or enclosed porches
- Wrap containers in insulating layers of fleece for outdoor overwintering
- With proper care, enjoy impressive displays of chrysanthemum blooms year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chrysanthemums easy to grow?
Chrysanthemums are a delight for both novice and experienced gardeners alike due to their ease of cultivation. These beautiful perennials are known for their versatility as they can thrive in any season. With their ability to bloom well into the fall, chrysanthemums truly steal the spotlight, captivating attention long after other plants have ceased flowering. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing chrysanthemums is a rewarding and effortless endeavor that will add a vibrant burst of color to your garden year after year.
Where do chrysanthemums grow best?
Chrysanthemums thrive in environments that provide ample sunlight and protection from harsh weather conditions. For early-flowering or hardy garden chrysanthemums, a sunny and sheltered spot in the garden border is ideal. These varieties make a stunning addition to the middle of a mixed border, enhancing the visual appeal of the surrounding plants. On the other hand, tender chrysanthemums should be cultivated in a greenhouse or in pots that can be conveniently moved outside during summer and brought indoors as autumn approaches. This way, the plants can enjoy the warm sunlight while being shielded from adverse weather, ensuring their optimal growth and preservation.
Can you grow chrysanthemums from cuttings?
Yes, chrysanthemums can be successfully grown from cuttings. By taking basal cuttings in the spring, you can easily propagate these vibrant flowers. Whether it’s in a cold frame, propagator, or a sunlit windowsill, the cuttings will readily root and establish new plants, allowing you to enjoy an abundance of chrysanthemums. It’s a simple and rewarding method to expand your chrysanthemum collection.
Do Chrysanthemums last long?
Chrysanthemums are renowned for their exceptional longevity as a cut flower. With a typical lifespan of 7 to 14 days, these blooms often outlast other flowers in a vase. Certain varieties of chrysanthemums can even stay fresh for an extended period. Moreover, to rejuvenate a chrysanthemum arrangement, simply introducing a few new stems can spruce up the display, ensuring its longevity continues to impress.