2023-12-25 07:00:25
Here’s everything you need to know regarding planting and caring for chrysanthemums at home and filling your garden with color and vitality.
Last update : December 25, 2023
It is said that planting chrysanthemums is easy compared to other plants. However, it is important to know the ideal times to do so and the exact amount of light they need.
Chrysanthemums belong to the genus Chrysanthemum of the family of Asteraceae. They have been studied botanically, not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also for some of their medicinal properties.
Of Asian origin, the flower is renowned for its ability to adapt to different climates. In traditional Chinese medicine, its extracts are used as herbal remedies.
What do you need to plant chrysanthemums at home?
This experience is a challenge that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of flowers. In addition to garden space or pots, fertilizer and tools, you need to decide whether you will plant from seed or grow from cuttings.
When selecting seeds, choose the variety you want. More also make sure you buy a package that contains a lot of it. In fact, you have to place several in each hole. Planting is done in early or mid-spring.
However, if you plan to grow cuttings, you will need some advance planning. Cuttings from the mother plant are obtained in spring, following autumn flowering.
The success rate is low. It is therefore recommended to have more than two cuttings for each new plant you wish to have.. It is very likely that up to 60% of segments will fail.
Also read: The Best Garden Plants for Rainy Climates
How to plant chrysanthemums step by step?
You are now ready to plant chrysanthemums, with seeds or cuttings. Here are the steps to follow.
1. Soil preparation
If you plant in your garden, make sure the plants are in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In the case of pots, you will have more freedom to move the plant at appropriate times of the day or according to the season.
Enrich with compost or rotted manure, if necessary. Although compost provides nutrients, a light dose of chemical fertilizer will also help.
2. Semis
To plant chrysanthemums in your garden, Work the soil regarding 20 to 30 cm deep. Sow the seeds by placing several in each hole you make, in early spring, with the soil moist. After that, water well.
If you are doing this with cuttings from a plant you already have, you will need to place rooting hormone into the cuttings. Then you will place them in a glass jar with water to root them or in a pot.
Using a pot for seeds is also valid. The ideal is to place two to three seeds per container for successful development.
3. Irrigation
Chrysanthemums need moist soil. In this sense, It is advisable to water two to three times a week, on hot or dry days. Then reduce the frequency during rainy periods.
4. Fertilisation
A good fertilizer provides the nutrients needed for plant growth. It is advisable to use it at the start of planting and, at the start of flowering, to reduce its use.
It can be added to irrigation water to make the task easier. Epsom salt is the most practical. Because it is soluble and provides sulfates and magnesium.
In cuttings, if rooting hormone has been used, wait three days to start fertilization. Segment demands are more intense. It is therefore necessary to consult professionals to purchase a fertilizer providing sufficient nitrogen.
Chrysanthemums can receive organic fertilizers. Bird guano is a suitable option.
5. Size
Pruning promotes exuberant flowering and results in a denser plant. When the plants reach a height of 15 to 20 cm, they should be pruned to promote the development of lateral branches.
After autumn flowering, it is advisable to cut the stems close to the ground, regarding 4 or 5 cm. Pruning can be repeated on certain occasions, but only until mid-summer. Because the growth must then be released for the next flowering cycle.
6. Protections
If you are in areas prone to frost, you need to take preventative measures to protect your plants. In a pot, it’s easy, since you just have to move them inside your house or in a closed space.
If your plants are in the ground, apply mulch to protect the roots. On winter nights, cover them with blankets, cloth or greenhouse plastic.
Also discover: 10 garden plants that bloom in autumn
Types of chrysanthemums to plant at home
There are more than 200 varieties of chrysanthemums classified according to the shape, size and color of their flowers. Among the great diversity, some of the most popular and easy to grow at home are:
Chardon : its flowers have a tubular shape, similar to thistle.
Spoon : the petals are shaped like small spoons at their ends.
Pompom: the flowers resemble buds, but their shape is more voluminous.
Spider: it is a chrysanthemum with long petals that simulate the legs of a spider.
Bouton : with small round flowers, perfect for use in mixed floral arrangements.
Anemone: Flowers of this type have a raised, fluffy center, surrounded by flat petals.
Marguerite : flowers identical to daisies, with flat petals around a tall, round center.
Saucer: Flowers of this type have petals that curve downward, creating the illusion of a saucer.
Planting chrysanthemums at home
Following the previous advice, you can grow chrysanthemums at home during the spring to enjoy their flowers in the fall. They are versatile plants that can be combined with other species to decorate your garden or balcony. They will surprise you with their color.
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