Chrysanthemum Basics

Posted by angel_o_mine | Added on : June 15, 2010 09:45am | Last edited: June 15, 2010 09:52am | Viewed 2803 times | 0 Comments

Chrysanthemums can be started as seeds, from cuttings and dividing, or can be purchased at a nursery in sizes from bedding plants up to gallon size and larger plants. They should be planted into well prepared, fertile, sandy soil. Chrysanthemums resent 'wet feet' so the hole should be dug extra deep.

It is best to not grow chrysanthemums in the same spot for more than three consecutive years to help prevent associated disease and pest problems. The plants should be spaced 18-30 inches apart for best results. Feed lightly every 2 weeks with a good balanced all purpose fertilizer. When the plants are 6 inches tall, pinch about 3/4 of an inch from each branch to promote more blooms and bushier plants. When they reach a foot tall, pinch them again. On the largest flowering types it is best to remove all buds except for the one on top.

Chrysanthemums should be divided every three to five years to avoid overcrowding and promote maximum flowering. They should be divided in the spring when new growth appears. Dig entire clumps and separate the plants with a sharp, clean knife or spade. Remove all dead and diseased plant parts. Replant the divisions as soon as possible in a loose, well drained, rich organic soil. Chrysanthemums should periodically be moved to a new location, but if this is not feasible, the soil should be sterilized chemically to reduce danger of disease and insect problems. Young divisions will grow much faster and provide a better plant than crowded old clumps. When the new shoots are 1-3 inches tall in early spring, dig up your old clumps and carefully pull them apart. Plant the healthy divisions into newly prepared fertile soil and discard the half dead woody parts.

Remove the lower half of the leaves from a 4-6 inch healthy, fresh cutting using a sharp clean knife. Dip about 3/4 inch of the cut end into a rooting hormone. Insert the cutting about one inch deep into sterile moist sand, vermiculite or sphagnum moss. Create a mini-greenhouse over the container with poly film over a wire frame and place it in a bright spot (but not full sun) until the roots form.

Chrysanthemum seeds should be sown into the prepared soil where they are to bloom at least 2 months prior to the first frost. Seeds may also be started indoors in very early spring for later transplanting.

Chrysanthemums are just about the easiest of all of the perennials to grow. They should be planted in early spring after all danger of freezing, however they can be planted almost any time, as long as they have time to establish their root system before the hottest weather. Chrysanthemums grow best and produce the most flowers if they are planted in full sunshine. They respond to plenty of food and moisture. There are hundreds of varieties of Chrysanthemums, giving you a multitude of options for height, color, flower size and time of bloom. You can pick and choose to fit your wants and needs when you visit the nursery. In northern climates it is wise to purchase the earlier bloomers.