Buzz
Chrysanthemums (scientific name: chrysanthemums) have always been a stunning addition to any garden or home. Known for their vibrant, full blooms that flourish in autumn, these flowers come in a variety of lively colors such as yellow, white, pink, lavender, burgundy, and plum. Chrysanthemums are not only diverse in color but also in size and shape. You can learn how to grow and care for your own chrysanthemum plants by following the guide below.
Steps
Dividing and Replanting
Every three to five years, you should divide chrysanthemum clumps. This prevents overcrowding and encourages maximum blooming. Dividing the plants also allows you to clean up and rejuvenate older clumps. The best time to divide is in spring, when new shoots begin to emerge.
Dig up the plant carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Lift the plant after shaking off excess soil. Gently remove soil clinging to the roots. Discard any diseased or dead parts of the plant.
Divide the chrysanthemum root clumps by separating the outer sections and removing the central part of the plant. Some plants can be divided by hand, while others may require a knife, depending on their size. Take care not to harm the roots.
- Use a sharp gardening knife to minimize the risk of root damage, as cutting with a knife is cleaner and causes less crushing.
- Divide into more sections if you want multiple smaller plants.
Replant the divided chrysanthemums as soon as possible. Ensure the soil is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and contains loose organic matter.
Plant Care
Choose healthy plants. Chrysanthemums are common in many regions, so some stores may not know how to care for them properly. Avoid buying wilted plants or those with yellowing leaves. To get healthy chrysanthemums, you may need to ask retailers when their next shipment arrives and return on that day.
Repotting your plants. Chrysanthemums intended for potting require regular repotting into slightly larger containers with fresh soil to achieve optimal growth. Gently loosen the root ball if the roots are tightly bound.
Water generously but avoid waterlogging. Chrysanthemum roots are sensitive to excessive moisture. Potted chrysanthemums need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, as the latter can absorb natural water sources like rain and dew.
- Prevent the plant from wilting between waterings. If the lower leaves turn yellow, increase watering. Avoid sprinkling water on the foliage to prevent bacterial growth or plant diseases.
Shield the plant from streetlights or artificial light at night. Chrysanthemums are short-day plants, meaning they require extended periods of darkness to bloom properly.
Fertilize chrysanthemums several times a year. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. It's especially important to fertilize during the growing season to prevent premature flowering.
- Apply a 20-10-20 solution or equivalent with each watering. Switch to a 10-20-20 fertilizer or similar as the blooming season begins.
Combat fungal infections with antifungal agents. Treat root and stem rot caused by pythium, wilt diseases, bacterial leaf spot, gray mold, and rust using natural antifungals like garlic oil, neem oil, or sulfur.
Maintain a clean planting area by removing debris to prevent pests. Eliminate common chrysanthemum pests such as aphids, mites, thrips, and leaf-eating caterpillars using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Pinch back young chrysanthemum plants in late spring and early summer to encourage bushier and more compact growth. This step ensures a vibrant display of blooms in the fall.
- Remove wilted or dead flowers to stimulate further blooming.
Winter care for chrysanthemums
Cut chrysanthemums back to the ground. Do this after the plants have died back from frost. Apply a thin, breathable layer of mulch to insulate the roots and help them withstand winter frost.
- Evergreen branches or similar materials make excellent mulch for chrysanthemums.
Mound soil around the plants. Building soil mounds around the base protects the plants from dying, even during harsh frost conditions (repeated freezing and thawing can harm plants in winter).
Prepare potted plants for winter survival. If growing chrysanthemums in pots, move them to a bright but cool location. Remove any covering materials from the pots. Avoid overwatering, as this can promote bacterial growth. Wait until the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry before watering. Water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom holes.
Planting correctly
Plant or place potted chrysanthemums in full sunlight. If a spot with 8 hours of daily sunlight isn’t available, choose a location that receives at least 5 hours of sun each day.
- If given the choice between morning and afternoon sun, opt for morning sunlight.
Use fertile, well-draining soil for potted chrysanthemums. These plants are sensitive to waterlogging, so avoid soil that retains too much moisture.
- For in-ground planting, select a garden area that doesn’t accumulate standing water.
Plant chrysanthemums in areas with good air circulation. Placing them too close to walls, structures, or other plants can restrict growth or cause root competition. Space chrysanthemums 18-30 inches apart to allow ample room for development.
Relocate the plants to a different spot every three years. This practice helps prevent pest infestations and reduces the risk of disease. (Refer to the section on dividing and replanting for further guidance).
Tips
- The ideal soil pH for healthy chrysanthemum growth ranges from 6.5 to 6.7.
