How to Take Care of Chrysanthemum: Expert Tips
How to Take Care of Chrysanthemum?
To take care of chrysanthemums, you should start by planting them in full sun and well-prepared, fertile soil.
Regular feedings with balanced fertilizer during the growing season are beneficial.
It is important to keep the plants dry to prevent aphids and mildew.
Pinching the plants when they are six inches tall and again when they reach a foot tall will promote more blooms and bushier plants.
Removing faded blooms regularly will prolong flowering.
Dividing chrysanthemums every three to five years in early spring is recommended, and replanting in well-drained soil is important.
Chrysanthemums can be propagated through cuttings or seeds, but seeds should be sown at least two months before the first frost.
After a hard frost, mums can be cut back and provided with a light mulch to protect them in winter.
Constant wetness, ice on the leaves, and frost heaving are major hazards, so protecting the plants with shading, mulch, or soil mounding is important.
If kept in pots over winter, chrysanthemums should be moved to a cool, well-lighted location and watered properly.
Finally, it is important to note that chrysanthemums bought in bloom may not survive the winter as they have used up their energy in blooms instead of establishing strong roots.
Key Points:
- Plant chrysanthemums in full sun and fertile soil
- Regularly feed plants with balanced fertilizer during growing season
- Keep plants dry to prevent aphids and mildew
- Pinch plants at six inches and one foot tall to promote more blooms
- Remove faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering
- Divide chrysanthemums every three to five years in early spring and replant in well-drained soil
Did You Know?
1. Chrysanthemums are widely regarded as the birth flower for the month of November, symbolizing joy and optimism. However, they are also associated with death and remembrance in many European countries, often being used as funeral flowers or placed on graves.
2. Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years. In fact, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), these flowers were so highly esteemed that only nobility were allowed to grow them in their gardens.
3. If you’re thinking of adding chrysanthemums to your garden, be aware that they have insect repellent properties. Certain compounds present in chrysanthemum flowers, called pyrethrins, are natural insecticides and are often used in organic pest control products.
4. Japan is known for its deep appreciation and cultivation of chrysanthemums. Each year, on September 9th, the country celebrates the “Festival of Happiness” (Kiku no Sekku), during which chrysanthemums are showcased in various displays and exhibitions.
5. Chrysanthemum tea, made by steeping the flowers in hot water, has been consumed for centuries in many parts of Asia. Beyond its pleasant taste, this tea is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
Planting And Starting Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, known for their vibrant colors and beautiful blooms, are a popular choice for fall gardens. These perennials are easy to grow and offer a wide variety of heights, colors, and bloom times. Proper planting and starting techniques are crucial for their success, whether you choose to start them from seeds, cuttings, or purchase them from a garden center.
For optimal growth, chrysanthemums should be planted in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is important to prepare the soil well, ensuring good drainage and fertility. Adding compost or organic matter before planting enriches the soil’s nutrients.
When starting chrysanthemums from seeds, it is recommended to sow them at least two months before the first frost. If starting indoors over winter, maintaining a temperature of 70 to 75°F is ideal. Germination usually occurs within one to three weeks, and after about a month, the seedlings can be transplanted.
Essential Care And Maintenance
Giving your chrysanthemums proper care and attention throughout the growing season is vital for their overall health and abundant blooming. Regular feedings with balanced fertilizer are highly beneficial for these plants. It is recommended to fertilize them every four to six weeks during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer packaging.
To maintain the longevity of your chrysanthemums and prevent disease and pest problems, avoid growing them in the same location for more than three consecutive years. Rotate their planting site, as this will ensure the soil remains fertile and reduces the risk of buildup of harmful pathogens.
One of the significant challenges for chrysanthemums is their susceptibility to aphids and mildew. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plants dry, as constant wetness can increase the likelihood of these issues. Regularly remove faded blooms, as this practice will help prolong the flowering period and encourage the growth of new blooms.
Preventing Diseases And Pests
Preventing diseases and pests is crucial to the long-term health and vitality of chrysanthemums. These plants are particularly vulnerable to aphids and mildew. To deter aphids, consider using organic insecticidal soaps or introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which act as natural predators.
Mildew, on the other hand, can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering. If mildew does appear, promptly remove any infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread. Regularly check for any signs of pest infestations or disease and take immediate action if necessary to protect your chrysanthemums.
Tips For Promoting Blooming And Growth
- Pinching chrysanthemums at six inches and again at one foot helps stimulate more lateral branching, leading to bushier plants and more blooms.
- Regular deadheading is crucial to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period.
- Use clean and sharp pruning shears when deadheading to avoid harming the plant.
- Provide adequate watering and apply a balanced fertilizer for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Propagation Methods For Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums can be propagated in various ways, including through cuttings and seeds. Taking healthy and fresh cuttings and dipping the cut ends into rooting hormone before inserting them into sterile moist sand, vermiculite, or sphagnum moss is an effective method of propagation.
For those interested in starting chrysanthemums from seeds, it is important to sow the seeds at the appropriate time, usually two months before the first frost. The planting medium should be kept at a temperature of 70 to 75°F to facilitate germination, which typically occurs within one to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into the garden.
- Propagation methods for chrysanthemums: cuttings and seeds
- Cuttings: dip the cut ends into rooting hormone before inserting into sterile moist medium
- Seeds: sow two months before first frost, keep medium temperature at 70-75°F
- Germination occurs within one to three weeks
- Transplant seedlings into the garden when they have grown to a suitable size
Winter Care And Transplanting Chrysanthemums
Proper winter care is vital for the survival of chrysanthemums during the colder months. After a hard frost kills the foliage, it is advisable to cut the plants back to the ground. To provide protection, you can lightly mulch the plants with evergreen branches or similar materials. This mulch should be light and airy to avoid trapping excess moisture.
In the winter, chrysanthemums face hazards such as constant wetness, ice on the leaves, and frost heaving caused by freezing and thawing of the soil. To prevent these issues, it is important to shade the plants from direct sun and insulate the roots with a thick layer of mulch or by mounding the soil around the base of the plant.
If you wish to keep your chrysanthemums in pots over the winter, locate them in a cool, well-lighted location. Ensure that they receive adequate water without being overwatered, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Once the worst of winter has passed, you can transplant your chrysanthemums outdoors. However, if you notice new growth, it is essential to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting them outside. Gradually acclimatize the plants to their new environment by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasingly longer periods each day.
taking care of chrysanthemums involves providing them with optimal growing conditions, regular maintenance, and preventive measures against pests and diseases.
- Cut the plants back to the ground after a hard frost
- Lightly mulch the plants with evergreen branches or similar materials
- Shade the plants from direct sun and insulate the roots with mulch or mound soil around the base
- Locate potted chrysanthemums in a cool, well-lighted location
- Water adequately without overwatering
- Wait until the risk of frost has passed before transplanting outdoors
- Gradually acclimatize plants to outdoor conditions each day
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep chrysanthemums alive?
To ensure the longevity of chrysanthemums, it is essential to repot the plant annually as it significantly enhances its overall health. Additionally, providing ample sunlight is crucial for their well-being. To keep mums thriving, it is recommended to place them in areas with at least six hours of direct sun exposure each day. Moreover, regular deadheading is necessary to prevent mums from ceasing to bloom, sustaining their vibrant and continuous flowering.
How do you care for chrysanthemums indoors?
To care for chrysanthemums indoors, it is important to provide them with ample but indirect sunlight. Place them near a window where they can bask in the abundant light. While they can tolerate some morning sunlight, it is best to avoid direct sun exposure. Chrysanthemums thrive in the average indoor temperature, making it easier to maintain their wellbeing indoors.
How long do potted chrysanthemums last?
Potted chrysanthemums, also known as mums, can last for up to eight weeks when grown in pots before the arrival of frost. To maximize their longevity, it is advisable to avoid setting them out during warm temperatures as this may cause the flowers to fade within a few weeks. By waiting until it’s cooler to purchase mums, you can extend the lifespan of their stunning blooms and enjoy their beauty for an extended period.
How do you keep chrysanthemum flowers fresh?
To keep chrysanthemum flowers fresh, it is important to start by trimming the stems at an angle. This allows for better water absorption and prevents the ends from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. Additionally, make sure there are no leaves below the water line, as they can decompose and contaminate the water. Changing the vase water regularly ensures a fresh supply of nutrients for the flowers, helping them to stay vibrant and alive. To prolong the freshness, it is advisable to keep the chrysanthemums away from draughts and direct heat, as these can cause the flowers to wilt more quickly. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of chrysanthemums for longer periods.