Chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers that delight with their bright and long-lasting blooms in late summer and autumn. They symbolize longevity, happiness, and wisdom, and they are also widely used in gardening and floristry. Despite their hardiness, chrysanthemums require certain care that allows them to grow and flower fully. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all aspects of growing chrysanthemums, from choosing a planting site and preparing the soil to care during the flowering period and overwintering.
Before growing chrysanthemums, it is important to choose the right variety, since these flowers can be either perennial or annual. Perennial varieties are most often grown in gardens, as they are cold-resistant and can bloom for several seasons in a row. Annual chrysanthemums are used in ornamental plantings and flowerbeds and delight with their blooms for only one season.
Varieties differ in height, flower shape, and flowering time. Dwarf types are perfect for growing in pots and borders, while tall varieties are better suited for flowerbeds and garden compositions. Some chrysanthemums bloom from late summer until late autumn, which makes them an ideal choice for an autumn garden.
The best place for planting chrysanthemums is a well-lit area protected from strong winds. These plants love sunlight and do not tolerate shade well, as this can lead to weaker stems and poorer flowering quality. The ideal location is the southern or southeastern part of the site, where the flowers will receive enough light throughout the day.
The soil should be fertile, loose, and well-drained. Heavy clay soils hinder growth and can lead to root rot. Before planting, the soil is dug over, humus or compost is added, along with a small amount of wood ash. If the soil is too acidic, it can be neutralized with dolomite flour or lime.
Chrysanthemums need moderate but regular watering. It is important to maintain a balance: lack of moisture can lead to drying buds and slowed growth, while excessive watering can cause the root system to rot. In hot weather, the plants should be watered 2–3 times a week, depending on the condition of the soil. It is important not to let the top layer dry out completely.
The best method of watering is at the root, avoiding water on the leaves and flowers. This helps prevent fungal diseases. Using warm, settled water helps avoid temperature stress for the plant.
Feeding plays an important role in forming strong stems and abundant flowering. In spring and early summer, chrysanthemums are fed with nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate leaf growth. During the budding period, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied, as they promote the formation of large and vivid flowers.
In spring — nitrogen fertilizers such as urea or ammonium nitrate.
At the beginning of budding — compound fertilizers with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.
During flowering — small doses of potassium fertilizers to extend the blooming period.
When using organic fertilizers such as humus or mullein infusion, moderation is important, since too much nitrogen can lead to vigorous leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
For chrysanthemums to have a neat and compact shape, they need to be formed properly. The main method is pinching the tops of young shoots. This technique stimulates the growth of side branches, making the bush fuller and producing more flowers.
Pinching is done twice:
The first time — in spring, when young shoots reach 10–15 cm in height. The top is removed, leaving 4–5 pairs of leaves.
The second time — at the beginning of summer, when the shoots grow to 20–25 cm.
Some chrysanthemum varieties do not require shaping, since they naturally have a compact form. However, for tall-growing types, pinching is essential.
Pruning old and faded buds prolongs the flowering period, preventing the plant from spending energy on seed ripening. In autumn, before overwintering, perennial chrysanthemums are cut back, leaving small stems 10–15 cm high.
Chrysanthemums can be propagated in several ways: by seed, cuttings, and division of the bush.
Propagation by seed is used less often, since it is a lengthy process and the plants bloom only the following year. Sowing is done in spring, and the seedlings are planted in open ground after warm weather has set in.
Cuttings are the most popular and effective method. In spring or early summer, young shoots 10–12 cm long are cut, the lower leaves are removed, and they are planted in a loose substrate. The cuttings root in 2–3 weeks, after which they are transplanted to a permanent place.
Division of the bush is carried out in spring or autumn. An adult plant is dug up, the rhizome is divided into several parts, and they are replanted. This method rejuvenates the chrysanthemum and stimulates further flowering.
After flowering ends, it is important to prepare chrysanthemums properly for winter. In perennial varieties, faded buds and excess shoots are cut off, leaving short stems. To protect the plants from frost, they are mulched with peat, dry leaves, or spruce branches. In regions with severe winters, the bushes can also be covered with agrofabric.
Potted chrysanthemums grown in containers are moved to a cool room with a temperature of 3–5 degrees Celsius. Watering in winter is minimal, only enough to prevent the roots from drying out.
In spring, after the plant wakes up, the covering is removed, the first feeding is carried out, and the bushes are inspected for damaged or weakened shoots.
Chrysanthemums are amazingly beautiful flowers that, with proper care, will delight with their blooms for many years. Following recommendations on planting, watering, feeding, and preparing for winter will help you grow strong and healthy plants that can withstand different weather conditions and bloom abundantly and for a long time.
